tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-68081919829349413402024-02-06T19:29:23.629-08:00Vanderkitten -Virginia BeachSupporting women in their cycling endeavors, whatever they may be.Vanderkitten Virginia Beachhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16675875962688380852noreply@blogger.comBlogger113125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6808191982934941340.post-21312528818635137762011-12-19T19:01:00.000-08:002011-12-19T19:03:56.351-08:00Final Chapter - Vanderkitten Virginia BeachIt’s been fun. We’ve had some great results. 30 plus women came together almost 3 years ago to start something new. Everyone bought a great kit. Some loved cats, others loved dogs. Some riders became racers. Some racers became riders. The team became social. Over time everyone got comfortable doing what they wanted to do. It’s time for some to move on and others to step aside. It was a great ride.<br /><br />BJ aka Podium CatVanderkitten Virginia Beachhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16675875962688380852noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6808191982934941340.post-54131426091890270322011-10-23T17:34:00.000-07:002011-10-24T17:06:58.302-07:00FALLON CX RACE<div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2E21J8PBucdm4tEMdCqWjnvtY7hW_-TMuI_VOMKhNRgmLflorMQ_24sdhCgV0bsuOPDVtNMeJOAbIT3WYUPcOh5V6FJe78OfhmCgQ4CVzOX8zUABITC8yOIpIlj9DFf9VW5028NPJNI4/s1600/2011-10-22+11.22.43.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px 0px 10px 10px; width: 320px; height: 240px; float: right; cursor: pointer;" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5666851621500919330" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2E21J8PBucdm4tEMdCqWjnvtY7hW_-TMuI_VOMKhNRgmLflorMQ_24sdhCgV0bsuOPDVtNMeJOAbIT3WYUPcOh5V6FJe78OfhmCgQ4CVzOX8zUABITC8yOIpIlj9DFf9VW5028NPJNI4/s320/2011-10-22+11.22.43.jpg" border="0" /></a><p class="p1"><span class="s1"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#330099;">Karen</span></span> traveled to Roanoke and represented the kittens on Saturday for the Freakout at Fallon Cx race. This was the first year it was part of the VACX series and it did not disappoint. The course was tough with mud pits, rocky sections, off camber turns, and steep climbs. <span class="s1"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#330099;">Karen</span> </span>participated in the Cat 4 race, was a bit scared of the course, and finished 7th (out of 7). Not happy with her last place finish, she entered the 40 + race. With her comfort level higher, and prize money at stake, she did much better with a second place finish. This race was fun with lots of swag, prizes, free chili. Many thanks to <span class="s2"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#ff0000;">Starlight Bicycles</span></span>, <span class="s3"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#006600;">Dire Wolf Racing</span></span>, and <span class="s4"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#ff6600;">Roanoke Parks and Rec</span></span> for putting on such a great event.</p></div>Vanderkitten Virginia Beachhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16675875962688380852noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6808191982934941340.post-45541488407987616562011-10-03T08:34:00.000-07:002011-10-03T16:30:08.871-07:00CROSS TIME!!<div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(51, 102, 255);"><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);"><br />Keeping it local,</span> Karen </span>represented the kittens by participating in Chesapeake's <span style="color: rgb(0, 153, 0);">Frogs On The Farm</span> cx race, the first race of the VACX series. The conditions were perfect with little mud, sunny skies, and cool temper<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMD9UYqH-LRsPg6bAl9unp2pLmeR-XM0MnBZ8n2UabK_Zye9F2XHVMw5bC9SXJWKp9x82ThhvNcl0Bhrym_joMT1vXmP5LF3M3A2EbMo5fQ-Zz3KBdMkaC5nfefWmLQsEMjzZMF7v7E7w/s1600/2011-10-02+12.26.01.jpg"><img style="float: left; margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMD9UYqH-LRsPg6bAl9unp2pLmeR-XM0MnBZ8n2UabK_Zye9F2XHVMw5bC9SXJWKp9x82ThhvNcl0Bhrym_joMT1vXmP5LF3M3A2EbMo5fQ-Zz3KBdMkaC5nfefWmLQsEMjzZMF7v7E7w/s320/2011-10-02+12.26.01.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5659291119561174866" border="0" /></a>atures. The course had a couple ditches, some logs, and two sets of barriers. <span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(51, 102, 255);">Karen </span>rode her mtn bike in the Cat 4 Women's race and was very surprised and happy with the results. 5th out of 11. She may just show up at some more cx races this season.<br /><br /><span style="color: rgb(153, 51, 153);"><br /><br /><br />Jen </span>and <span style="color: rgb(51, 204, 255);">Brittany </span>also raced this past Sunday in the <span style="color: rgb(153, 0, 0);">Winchester Apple</span><span style="color: rgb(255, 204, 51);">Cross</span>, which is race #2 in the MABRAcross Super 8. The course featured an asphalt start and finish, two steep hills: the Belgian Wall and the Cemetery Slog, varying technical turns and several off camber sections. Important things to note for the day: fire pits, bicycles, cool peeps, coffee, and NO RAIN equal good times.<br /><br />Stay tuned- next race on the docket is the Richmond Festival of Cross!<br /></div>Vanderkitten Virginia Beachhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16675875962688380852noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6808191982934941340.post-72638415886126992502011-09-14T12:23:00.000-07:002011-09-14T17:45:39.624-07:00Gettin’ Rowdy at the Ruckus<span style=";font-family:trebuchet ms;font-size:130%;" class="Apple-style-span" ><span style="color: rgb(0, 204, 204);font-family:trebuchet ms;" class="Apple-style-span" >Brittany</span><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;">, </span><span style="color: rgb(51, 255, 51);font-family:trebuchet ms;" class="Apple-style-span" >Jen</span><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;">, and </span><span style="color: rgb(204, 102, 204);font-family:trebuchet ms;" class="Apple-style-span" >Karen</span><span style="color: rgb(204, 102, 204);font-family:trebuchet ms;" > </span><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;">took part in the last race of Virginia’s road season Saturday at the Residential Ruckus, presented by the Hilton Cycling Club. The course featured a flat, fast, 0.9 mile loop, with four 90-degree turns and a long sweeping turn into a straightaway to the start/finish. Though Saturday featured a smaller women’s field than previous VA races, the weather was perfect, course was silky smooth, and the girls were ready to finish up the season in style.</span><br /><br /></span> <p style="margin: 0px 0px 10px; font: 12px trebuchet ms;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:130%;"><span class="Apple-style-span">Jen</span> led the pack at a steady pace for the first lap before dropping back. A couple laps later, she made a break off the front, with <span style="color: rgb(255, 153, 0);">Marci Hill</span>, from Hilton Cycling, going for a solo chase. The pack picked up the pace in a successful effort to reel Marci back in, but couldn't chase down <span class="Apple-style-span">Jen</span>. A few laps later, <span class="Apple-style-span">Brittany</span> made a break attempt of her own and was able to bridge the gap up to <span class="Apple-style-span">Jen</span>. After several laps of steady rotations, <span class="Apple-style-span">Jen</span> and <span class="Apple-style-span">Brittany</span> were able lap the main field and end the day with a 1,2 finish. <span class="Apple-style-span">Karen</span>, who stayed with the main group throughout the race, finished 3<sup>rd</sup> for the CAT 4’s. </span></p><br /><p style="margin: 0px 0px 10px; font: 12px trebuchet ms;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:130%;">Vanderkitten would like to give a special thanks to<span style="color: rgb(255, 255, 51);"> Joe Altomare</span> from <span style="color: rgb(255, 255, 102);">Hilton Cycling Club</span> for putting on a great event, the <span style="color: rgb(51, 204, 0);">Fat Frogs</span> for letting us sit under their tent, and the <span style="color: rgb(255, 153, 255);">Manderkittens</span> for giving us great support throughout the season. </span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family:trebuchet ms;"><span style="font-size:130%;">With road season officially over for these cats, let’s bring on some <span style="color: rgb(204, 51, 204);font-size:130%;" >cyclocross</span>!</span></p><p style="color: rgb(102, 0, 204);font-family:trebuchet ms;" class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:180%;"><u>Shenandoah Valley Century</u></span></p> <p style="margin: 0px 0px 10px; font: 12px courier new;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:130%;"><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;">After Saturday's crit, </span><span style="color: rgb(255, 153, 255);font-family:trebuchet ms;" class="Apple-style-span" >BJ</span><span style="color: rgb(255, 153, 255);font-family:trebuchet ms;" > </span><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;">and </span><span style="color: rgb(51, 255, 51);font-family:trebuchet ms;" class="Apple-style-span" >Karen</span><span style="color: rgb(51, 255, 51);font-family:trebuchet ms;" > </span><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;">headed to the mountains and rode the </span><span style="color: rgb(204, 153, 51);font-family:trebuchet ms;" >Shenandoah Valley Century</span><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;">. There was a large group of cyclists from the Hampton Roads area that participated in this ride, including a big group from </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:trebuchet ms;"><span style="color: rgb(153, 0, 0);">Tripower </span>Cycling Team</span><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;">. The weather was purrrfect with chilly temps in the morning that warmed up throughout the day. The kittens climbed close to 5000 feet and enjoyed the beautiful day on their bikes. 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line-height:115%; mso-pagination:widow-orphan; font-size:11.0pt; font-family:"Calibri","sans-serif"; mso-ascii-font-family:Calibri; mso-ascii-theme-font:minor-latin; mso-hansi-font-family:Calibri; mso-hansi-theme-font:minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family:"Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-theme-font:minor-bidi;} </style> <![endif]--> </p><p style="color: rgb(102, 102, 204);font-family:trebuchet ms;" class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:180%;"><u>DR100</u></span></p> <p style="margin: 0px 0px 10px; font: 12px trebuchet ms;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:130%;">This weekend is the <span style="color: rgb(204, 51, 204);">DR100</span> Ride that is also in the Harrisonburg area. This event consists of a 50K or 100K ride, and a 5K or 10K run. It is in honor of <span style="color: rgb(153, 255, 255);" class="Apple-style-span"><span class="Apple-style-span">Frauke's</span></span> husband<span style="color: rgb(204, 102, 0);"> Joe Mirenda</span>, who was tragically hit by a car while riding from Wintergreen Resort to JMU to visit his son in 2009. The money raised goes towards expanding bike/pedestrian lanes on public roads and other similar programs.</span></p><p style="margin: 0px 0px 10px; font: 12px trebuchet ms;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:130%;"><br /></span></p> <p style="margin: 0px 0px 10px; font: 12px trebuchet ms; color: rgb(255, 204, 0);"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:130%;">http://dr100.org/</span></p><p style="margin: 0px 0px 10px; font: 12px trebuchet ms;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:130%;"><br /></span></p><p style="margin: 0px 0px 10px; font: 12px trebuchet ms;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:130%;"><br /></span></p><p style="margin: 0px 0px 10px; font: 12px trebuchet ms;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:130%;"><br /></span></p><div style="font-family:verdana;"><span style="font-size:130%;"><br /></span></div>Vanderkitten Virginia Beachhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16675875962688380852noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6808191982934941340.post-43125797815158690762011-08-08T19:44:00.000-07:002011-08-08T19:51:11.800-07:00Tour of Page County<!--[if gte mso 9]><xml> <o:officedocumentsettings> <o:allowpng/> </o:OfficeDocumentSettings> </xml><![endif]--><!--[if gte mso 9]><xml> <w:worddocument> <w:view>Normal</w:View> <w:zoom>0</w:Zoom> <w:trackmoves/> <w:trackformatting/> <w:punctuationkerning/> <w:validateagainstschemas/> <w:saveifxmlinvalid>false</w:SaveIfXMLInvalid> <w:ignoremixedcontent>false</w:IgnoreMixedContent> <w:alwaysshowplaceholdertext>false</w:AlwaysShowPlaceholderText> <w:donotpromoteqf/> <w:lidthemeother>EN-US</w:LidThemeOther> <w:lidthemeasian>X-NONE</w:LidThemeAsian> <w:lidthemecomplexscript>X-NONE</w:LidThemeComplexScript> <w:compatibility> <w:breakwrappedtables/> <w:snaptogridincell/> <w:wraptextwithpunct/> <w:useasianbreakrules/> <w:dontgrowautofit/> <w:splitpgbreakandparamark/> 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mso-para-margin-left:0in; line-height:115%; mso-pagination:widow-orphan; font-size:11.0pt; font-family:"Calibri","sans-serif"; mso-ascii-font-family:Calibri; mso-ascii-theme-font:minor-latin; mso-hansi-font-family:Calibri; mso-hansi-theme-font:minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family:"Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-theme-font:minor-bidi;} </style> <![endif]--> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; line-height: normal;font-family:trebuchet ms;"><u><span style="font-size:12pt;">Cloudy with little chance of pie: Page Valley Road Race</span></u></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; line-height: normal;font-family:trebuchet ms;"><span style="font-size:12pt;">The Page Valley road race proved once again to be a tough test for mountain-loving kittens. With overcast skies and slightly cooler temperatures than years past, <span style="color: rgb(0, 112, 192);">Jen </span>and <span style="color: rgb(179, 162, 199);">Brittany </span>lined up for the Women’s 1/2/3 race with a small but fierce field. Attacks started as soon as the pavement turned upward with the charge led by <span style="color: rgb(228, 108, 10);">Rachel (Missing Link Coaching Systems/Specialized)</span>. The field split immediately with Jen and Brittany caught behind slower climbers. Brittany was able to bridge Jen back to the lead group on the descent, but this was the last they saw each other until the finish line. Jen worked with a small group to chase on and off of the 5 leaders for the remainder of the race. On the third lap, the motor referee indicated that bad weather was moving over the ridge and the women’s race was ending on this lap! On the final left turn to the finish line, <span style="color: rgb(0, 176, 80);">Sara (ABRT) </span>made a well-timed move that got a gap over the chase group and sling-slot Jen into 6th place. This was fortuitous because Jen got a front row seat to Brittany’s finish – 3rd place for the cat 3 women. </span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; line-height: normal;font-family:trebuchet ms;"><span style="font-size:12pt;"> </span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; line-height: normal;font-family:trebuchet ms;"><u><span style="font-size:12pt;">Sunday’s Luray Crit</span></u></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; line-height: normal;font-family:trebuchet ms;"><span style="font-size:12pt;">With Jen having headed back to the ‘Peake earlier in the morning, I had plans of finishing up the weekend at the downtown Luray Crit.<span style=""> </span>This course consisted of a 0.8 mile loop featuring eight 90-degree turns and a steep short climb to the finish, where there was a feed zone!<span style=""> </span>Though greatly welcomed (another mid-ninety temp weekend), never before had I seen a feed zone at a crit until Sunday.<span style=""> </span>As soon as the whistle blew initiating the start of the Women’s 1/2/3 pack, it was serious go time.<span style=""> </span>After an immediate left turn up a false flat, the pack took a fast descent down the back side of the course, vying for positions, eager to make their way to the hill climb. After my second trip up the hill, my legs said “No more!” and I dropped off the pack to time trial my way through the rest of the race.<span style=""> </span>I was, however, able to witness the amazing first place finish of <span style="color: rgb(0, 176, 80);">Kathleen Giles (ABRT), </span>who had broken away from the pack, with several laps to go. </span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; line-height: normal;font-family:trebuchet ms;"><span style="font-size:12pt;"><span style="color: rgb(204, 102, 204);">Vanderkitten Racing</span> extends a biggie thanks to <span style="color: rgb(85, 142, 213);">Chris Gould</span>, <span style="color:yellow;">Page Valley Cycling</span>, <span style="color: rgb(149, 55, 53);">WWVC Racing</span>, and <span style="color: rgb(228, 108, 10);">Syn-Fit Race Team </span>for a great weekend! Next up, Vanderkitten will be racing the Chesapeake Criterium and Peter Teeuwen Memorial time trial. </span></p> <p style="font-family: trebuchet ms;" class="MsoNormal"> </p> Vanderkitten Virginia Beachhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16675875962688380852noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6808191982934941340.post-7224897552161946322011-08-03T07:17:00.000-07:002011-08-05T06:03:25.909-07:00Tri'd & Succeeded<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1NNWr6kYXJcB5biAhrPY0xGp4iyAtNkd0O6VclYubGyBAq3CQ2FUQO-qYc6fRT9ZFhkEFZeDVGYoYaXSWPfKyvTkaAiyQhY7dHBzPOznL73METDrmKvNM-AaczZwURmaduKZ19om49xk/s1600/DSC02237.jpg"><img style="float: left; margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1NNWr6kYXJcB5biAhrPY0xGp4iyAtNkd0O6VclYubGyBAq3CQ2FUQO-qYc6fRT9ZFhkEFZeDVGYoYaXSWPfKyvTkaAiyQhY7dHBzPOznL73METDrmKvNM-AaczZwURmaduKZ19om49xk/s320/DSC02237.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5637179925100611602" border="0" /></a><p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; line-height: 13.5pt;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(204, 204, 204);">One Kitten tried to get smart and beat the heat by doing a Triathlon. Unfortunately there has been no escaping this heat.</span><span style="color: rgb(37, 37, 37);"> <span style="color: rgb(204, 51, 204);">Roberta </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(204, 204, 204);">headed down this past weekend to North Carolina for an </span><span style="color: rgb(51, 255, 51);">FS Sprint Triathlon</span><span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(204, 204, 204);"> </span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(204, 204, 204);">i</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(204, 204, 204);">n Washington, NC. The participants had to be set up and out of the transition area by 6:30am and at that time it was already 83 degrees and the water temp was 86….a bit like bath water in our opinion. With the heat already a known factor, Roberta made sure she was well hydrated. The swim in the Pamlico River went well after being pulled, slapped, and swam over; these participants we merciless in the water. All Roberta kept thinking was “your swimming to your bike” , “swim to your bike”. Once the swim was over and a quick transition she was off for a rocket bike ride. The 15 mile ride was mostly flat with a few hills. She finished the bike with a time of 34:06: the fastest women’s time in the sprint. Her legs felt great as she started the transition to running. The run was very hot. No shade and all pavement. It was brutal. After crossing the finish line with a time of 1:20:25 she headed straight for the water to cool off. When all was said and done she walked away with</span><span style="color: rgb(37, 37, 37);"> <span style="color: rgb(51, 255, 255);">first place</span> </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(204, 204, 204);">in her age group. </span></p>Vanderkitten Virginia Beachhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16675875962688380852noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6808191982934941340.post-52713083490131339612011-07-25T17:15:00.001-07:002011-07-25T17:18:50.626-07:00Lost River Classic<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgavS5LSJWrky4UoY8ut2N_tJv5nL_ez0P9kUicnhDS_Si0D8HM4tthIdjC7KQAGwAn7KxH04XXk-wCUu7iDihEVNy3BGkbMSnRcj1Y8pg9TmwY7t6x5pUqXJbKrCGkzQnLyiwbawSTssw/s1600/lost+river+2011.jpg"><img style="MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; WIDTH: 240px; FLOAT: right; HEIGHT: 320px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5633448369066843506" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgavS5LSJWrky4UoY8ut2N_tJv5nL_ez0P9kUicnhDS_Si0D8HM4tthIdjC7KQAGwAn7KxH04XXk-wCUu7iDihEVNy3BGkbMSnRcj1Y8pg9TmwY7t6x5pUqXJbKrCGkzQnLyiwbawSTssw/s320/lost+river+2011.jpg" /></a><br /><br /><div>In an attempt to escape the heat wave over the east coast, Jen headed toward the mountains of West Virginia for Lost River Classic this past weekend. The 31 mile road race for the women’s field (roughly three 10 mile loops) proved to be well-suited to her love for climbing. The women’s field enjoyed rolling through narrow mountain roads until Laurel (Syn-Fit) launched an attack that shredded the field. Despite valiant attempts to match Laurel’s climbing prowess, the race settled into 4 leaders, a chase group of 4 riders, and a series of individual finishers behind. Jen helped power the chase group and happily finished 7th overall. Vanderkitten extends a big congrats to Mary of Team Traveler for the overall win!<br /><br />Jen spent the remainder of the afternoon attending to friends in the men’s cat 3 field, who simply melted as they crossed the finish line with the heat index approaching triple digits. This was a great race thanks to NCVC and Raw Talent Ranch. </div><br /><div><br />Next up, Vanderkitten VB will be racing Presbyterian Hospital Invitational in Charlotte, NC and Tour of Page Co. in Luray, VA. </div><br /><div></div><br /><div>Photo courtesy of David Cobb/Team Traveler</div>Vanderkitten Virginia Beachhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16675875962688380852noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6808191982934941340.post-389788957154714972011-07-19T13:53:00.000-07:002011-07-19T20:00:57.996-07:00Franklin Omnium<img style="MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; WIDTH: 320px; FLOAT: right; HEIGHT: 197px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5631172828783398770" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2_1Lwg2Wm8tt92F0cloo_8xIAWEP0bEBfrUknKYa0STlL9ftrcOKWpQh-RSuQ7Gs6DNCYP3inaZNp-TMuV2ucUtxNYFXZksfrskIEnDn3tHNU415CAbWXX4ThLmupXuN6ltAqvCUFAec/s320/Franklin+Omnium+Saturday+062.JPG" />The kittens were wide awake early Saturday AM to make the journey to Franklin, Virginia for the first ever <span style="color:#33cc00;">Franklin Omnium</span>. The <span style="color:#ff99ff;">Vanderkittens</span> were honored to be asked to share the event with <span style="color:#00cccc;">Celerity</span>, a very classy group of racers. Humid weather gave way to beautiful blue skies for the whole weekend.<br /><br /><br /><div><br /><br /><div><br /><br /><div>It’s not often to find a nice short time trial course in a town with very little traffic. The Franklin police officers, as well as the residents, seemed to be very happy to have us in their town. For the time trial, VK had Ali, Laura, Brittany and Jen representing in the CAT 1/2/3 category. The outcome of that race was Ali taking the <span style="color:#cc9933;">gold</span>, Laura taking the bronze, Brittany in 4th and Jen in 5th. Representing VK in the CAT 4/40 plus was BJ, Karen, Suszann and Lisa. BJ brought home the <span style="color:#cc9933;">gold</span>, Karen the <span style="color:#c0c0c0;">silver</span>, Suszann bringing home bar points in 9th and Lisa doing the same in 10th place.</div><br /><br /><div>After a quick cat nap and some good grub at <span style="color:#ff6600;">Fred’s Restaurant</span>, we got ready for some exciting action for a very technical crit course. BJ was probably the happiest of all because photo opportunities were abundant with great shots being taken from every corner. The CAT 4/40 plus women consisted of BJ, Karen and Suszann. Action took place immediately when BJ took off to make sure she got through the first turn without company. That worked for a few laps but unfortunately she came up on a rider down who had clipped her pedal and BJ did one of her very graceful head over heels maneuvers. Saved by her helmet and a pit crew to get her back in the race, she was able to finish in 3rd place. Karen was right behind in 5th and Suszann placing in 6th. The Cat 1/2/3 race was very exciting and much safer. In the end, it was Ali sprinting to the finish against Erin and Emily (VA Asset Group) where Ali pulled off a 2nd. Close behind was Jen in 4th, Laura in 7th and Brittany in 8th. </div><br /><br /><div>Sunday morning was just another beautiful day to do a race. 14 miles of quiet with a few rollers was a perfect way to end the weekend with a nice road race around town. The Cat 4/40 plus took off at 8:00 for 2 laps. The field stayed together for the first lap but the pace picked up quickly on the next lap. A few attempts were made but nothing really stuck other than the field thinning out for the final sprint. Karen, in an out of body experience, took the win at the end with BJ taking 4th. Everyone stayed upright when a motorcycle went down near the finish. Our CAT 1/2/3 racers went late in the day. Laurel and Emily (Va Asset Group) took off and were never seen again to take the top 2 spots. Ali came in 4th, Jen 5th, Brittany 6th and Laura 8th. When all was said and done, Ali captured 2nd place in the CAT 1/2/3 Omnium. In the CAT 4/40 plus BJ took home some loot with 1st in the omnium in that category and Karen took home the 2nd coveted spot.</div><br /><img style="MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; WIDTH: 320px; FLOAT: right; HEIGHT: 248px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5631172025745475634" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBRBb92Z3035D2kVRRl2126Zw_wqnXBda3Cy8n0lRQgKgwyIZ1iA8h_yPnw_DIlUCTci9_CPEiEF6mLCx8ycGIrOUNMuT4YgVjpcmM2znahBWTrFAeEyNIaeqTqNBlGRXwm1HAe2BuMXg/s320/Franklin+Omnium+Saturday+102.JPG" />We all want to thank <span style="color:#33cc00;">Celerity</span> for a great weekend. They did an outstanding job for their first annual event. We also want to thank <span style="color:#99ff99;">Donna</span> for being a race official and a big shout out to <span style="color:#33ff33;">Wendie</span> and <span style="color:#3333ff;">Maggie</span> for driving all the way to Franklin to help out with volunteering.<br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><div></div></div></div>Vanderkitten Virginia Beachhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16675875962688380852noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6808191982934941340.post-11447176223283849582011-07-15T04:27:00.000-07:002011-07-15T04:35:29.618-07:00Coffee Talk with the VanderkittensWe were just featured in the GamJams Coffee Talk column. Read it at the link below:<br /><br /><a href="http://www.gamjams.net/2011/07/coffee-talk-with-vanderkittens.html">http://www.gamjams.net/2011/07/coffee-talk-with-vanderkittens.html</a><br /><br />Gus is now one of our Manderkittens, with his own limited edition T-shirt!<br /><br />Podium CatVanderkitten Virginia Beachhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16675875962688380852noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6808191982934941340.post-10141246776564399802011-07-11T09:19:00.000-07:002011-07-11T11:45:48.266-07:007th Race, 7th Place<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEirnQInCJc9WeFTTwjLDXGfYGS38co8kYb6lDzvOTcyByS2kjFlNd2jokibD9XIyxwJNe3AmoptyMnlEgT5a9ejNzAwomL3ypo0rmdl8CmT2Oo8BN-MocNIOtBDAOv9Lqy7xhaV2pTplok/s1600/race+3.bmp"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 249px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEirnQInCJc9WeFTTwjLDXGfYGS38co8kYb6lDzvOTcyByS2kjFlNd2jokibD9XIyxwJNe3AmoptyMnlEgT5a9ejNzAwomL3ypo0rmdl8CmT2Oo8BN-MocNIOtBDAOv9Lqy7xhaV2pTplok/s320/race+3.bmp" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5628131478062963170" border="0" /></a><p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;font-family:arial;"><span style="font-size:100%;"><span style="font-size:12pt;">Headed up to West Che</span></span><span style="font-size:100%;"><span style="font-size:12pt;">ster, PA ove</span></span><span style="font-size:100%;"><span style="font-size:12pt;">r the weekend to do my first ev</span></span><span style="font-size:100%;"><span style="font-size:12pt;">eni</span></span><span style="font-size:100%;"><span style="font-size:12pt;">ng</span></span><span style="font-size:100%;"><span style="font-size:12pt;"> race at the 7<sup>th</sup> Annual <span style="color: rgb(0, 204, 204);">Iron Hill Twilight Crit.</span> It was a 6</span></span><span style="font-size:100%;"><span style="font-size:12pt;">:45 p.m. start for</span></span><span style="font-size:100%;"><span style="font-size:12pt;"> this 4 co</span></span><span style="font-size:100%;"><span style="font-size:12pt;">rn</span></span><span style="font-size:100%;"><span style="font-size:12pt;">er, .8 mile rectangular co</span></span><span style="font-size:100%;"><span style="font-size:12pt;">urse on the streets of </span></span><span style="font-size:100%;"><span style="font-size:12pt;">downtown</span></span><span style="font-size:100%;"><span style="font-size:12pt;">. Prime forecast and</span></span><span style="font-size:100%;"><span style="font-size:12pt;"> an atmos</span></span><span style="font-size:100%;"><span style="font-size:12pt;">phere</span></span><span style="font-size:100%;"><span style="font-size:12pt;"> that was pretty </span></span><span style="font-size:100%;"><span style="font-size:12pt;">happening thanks </span></span><span style="font-size:100%;"><span style="font-size:12pt;">to lot</span></span><span style="font-size:100%;"><span style="font-size:12pt;">s</span></span><span style="font-size:100%;"><span style="font-size:12pt;"> of spectators and a brewery as th</span></span><span style="font-size:100%;"><span style="font-size:12pt;">e primary sponso</span></span><span style="font-size:100%;"><span style="font-size:12pt;">r.</span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;font-family:arial;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhP9u6X5qnqROOLooyDZUihC4pBzXUzgEa7AnBkiC84USJQIq8uuIGJ7OAxVEANLH-DBjdYXWwKOLaUjiUeiBA80Pf0duicgQA5-CXOpodipDyixEFvgvFOEWrqzg-pwL22ehwmlYef7y8/s1600/race+2.bmp"><img style="float: right; margin: 0pt 0pt 10px 10px; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 249px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhP9u6X5qnqROOLooyDZUihC4pBzXUzgEa7AnBkiC84USJQIq8uuIGJ7OAxVEANLH-DBjdYXWwKOLaUjiUeiBA80Pf0duicgQA5-CXOpodipDyixEFvgvFOEWrqzg-pwL22ehwmlYef7y8/s320/race+2.bmp" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5628134836284568498" border="0" /></a></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;font-family:arial;"><span style="font-size:100%;"><span style="font-size:12pt;"> </span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;font-family:arial;"><span style="font-size:100%;"><span style="font-size:12pt;">The </span></span><span style="font-size:100%;"><span style="font-size:12pt;">start seemed </span></span><span style="font-size:100%;"><span style="font-size:12pt;">standard with everyone trying to get </span></span><span style="font-size:100%;"><span style="font-size:12pt;">a feel </span></span><span style="font-size:100%;"><span style="font-size:12pt;">for</span></span><span style="font-size:100%;"><span style="font-size:12pt;"> whom to</span></span><span style="font-size:100%;"><span style="font-size:12pt;"> watch. Not surprisingly, <span style="color: rgb(255, 153, 255);">Kacey Manderfiel</span></span></span><span style="font-size:100%;"><span style="font-size:12pt;"><span style="color: rgb(255, 153, 255);">d </span></span></span><span style="font-size:100%;"><span style="font-size:12pt;">(Pur</span></span><span style="font-size:100%;"><span style="font-size:12pt;">e E</span></span><span style="font-size:100%;"><span style="font-size:12pt;">nergy) & <span style="color: rgb(51, 204, 0);">Erica Allar</span> (Ride Clean) were top on the </span></span><span style="font-size:100%;"><span style="font-size:12pt;">li</span></span><span style="font-size:100%;"><span style="font-size:12pt;">st</span></span><span style="font-size:100%;"><span style="font-size:12pt;">. To avoid any potential accidents or slow ups going into t</span></span><span style="font-size:100%;"><span style="font-size:12pt;">h</span></span><span style="font-size:100%;"><span style="font-size:12pt;">e</span></span><span style="font-size:100%;"><span style="font-size:12pt;"> third</span></span><span style="font-size:100%;"><span style="font-size:12pt;"> corner (the only slight downhill turn where spee</span></span><span style="font-size:100%;"><span style="font-size:12pt;">d</span></span><span style="font-size:100%;"><span style="font-size:12pt;"> </span></span><span style="font-size:100%;"><span style="font-size:12pt;">and momentum would co</span></span><span style="font-size:100%;"><span style="font-size:12pt;">me into play), I work</span></span><span style="font-size:100%;"><span style="font-size:12pt;">ed to stay towa</span></span><span style="font-size:100%;"><span style="font-size:12pt;">rd the front of the field.</span></span><span style="font-size:100%;"><span style="font-size:12pt;"> </span></span><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjwiKCUeS0qFdJbq5dyX7HpXaScig2Tt12oB3Ue9PPS7g3w4JvKYKN9pLooVdhx7kO8_EL3P3RYGcRTDmzHmD7zFloaDn-AEG2XWeAm6utZayAz4jDwkl8bTDSiMflRZ_T_dPeL4F09RGk/s1600/race+4.jpg"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 249px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjwiKCUeS0qFdJbq5dyX7HpXaScig2Tt12oB3Ue9PPS7g3w4JvKYKN9pLooVdhx7kO8_EL3P3RYGcRTDmzHmD7zFloaDn-AEG2XWeAm6utZayAz4jDwkl8bTDSiMflRZ_T_dPeL4F09RGk/s320/race+4.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5628138691333735474" border="0" /></a></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;font-family:arial;"><span style="font-size:100%;"><span style="font-size:12pt;">Several nice pri</span></span><span style="font-size:100%;"><span style="font-size:12pt;">mes helped to kee</span></span><span style="font-size:100%;"><span style="font-size:12pt;">p the pace up and eventually led to a break when Manderfield and Allar sprinted for one and got a gap. Wh</span></span><span style="font-size:100%;"><span style="font-size:12pt;">at was initially 12 seconds increased with each following lap as attempts were made to close it down but no one seemed committed to the effo</span></span><span style="font-size:100%;"><span style="font-size:12pt;">rt, including myself. Once it was evident that we weren’t working as a group to make it happen</span></span><span style="font-size:100%;"><span style="font-size:12pt;">, it then became a matter of holding position as the pace was pushed off and on with different riders launchin</span></span><span style="font-size:100%;"><span style="font-size:12pt;">g off the field to try for a second split. </span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span style=";font-family:Century Gothic;font-size:100%;" ><span style=";font-family:'Century Gothic';font-size:12pt;" > </span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span style=";font-family:Century Gothic;font-size:100%;" ><span style=";font-family:'Century Gothic';font-size:12pt;" ><br /></span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;font-family:arial;"><span style="font-size:100%;"><span style="font-size:12pt;">Going in</span></span><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjg_3w_R0pFQptNS1Cjq8ZswFw9p6ysbBKlRJmz_qZPq9l8Yb5rLW8sI85uk92ul-cRkMkt8uo2nnwiMzavDcQ84lsyN61AXS9MxFRxvGGeS4mwv-rrLHhGc8XZZw_xdNIlRvtXprwPIR4/s1600/race.bmp"><img style="float: left; margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 249px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjg_3w_R0pFQptNS1Cjq8ZswFw9p6ysbBKlRJmz_qZPq9l8Yb5rLW8sI85uk92ul-cRkMkt8uo2nnwiMzavDcQ84lsyN61AXS9MxFRxvGGeS4mwv-rrLHhGc8XZZw_xdNIlRvtXprwPIR4/s320/race.bmp" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5628133250128032034" border="0" /></a><span style="font-size:100%;"><span style="font-size:12pt;">to the last lap the pace picked up and into that 3<sup>rd</sup> turn, the sprint was on. One racer crashed on the right side but was okay and no one else was involved from what I could see. My placement coming into the 4<sup>th</sup> corner turned out to be how I finished (5<sup>th</sup> in field, 7<sup>th</sup> overall). Another great learning experience.</span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" face="arial" style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size:100%;"><span style="font-size:12pt;">(All photos courtesy of Todd Leister)<br /></span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; font-family: arial;"></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span style=";font-family:Century Gothic;font-size:100%;" ><span style=";font-family:'Century Gothic';font-size:12pt;" > </span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span style=";font-family:Century Gothic;font-size:100%;" ><span style=";font-family:'Century Gothic';font-size:12pt;" ><br /></span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span style=";font-family:Century Gothic;font-size:100%;" ><span style=";font-family:'Century Gothic';font-size:12pt;" > </span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; font-family: arial;"><span style="font-size:100%;"><span style="font-size:12pt;">Very cool venue, very nice crowd, very tasty beer…this one will be on our team schedule next year fo sho! Thanks to the West Chester community for supporting such a successful and damn fun event! Highly recommend a visit to this area any time though with all that it has to offer: many miles of scenic, rural roads that have rolling climbs and descents through various townships and quality restaurants in the quaint downtown area to refuel at afterward.</span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style=";font-family:Arial;font-size:85%;" ><span style=";font-family:Arial;font-size:10pt;" > </span></span></p>Vanderkitten Virginia Beachhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16675875962688380852noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6808191982934941340.post-48596541832387420872011-07-06T23:22:00.000-07:002011-07-06T23:59:26.931-07:00Kitties tear it up in the 'Noke!<div style="font-family:verdana;"><div><span style="color: rgb(204, 204, 204);font-size:100%;" ><br /></span><div><span style="color: rgb(204, 204, 204);font-size:100%;" ><br /></span><div style="color: rgb(204, 204, 204);"><span style="color: rgb(51, 51, 51);font-size:100%;" ><span style="color: rgb(204, 204, 204);">This Fourth of July weekend, </span><span style="color: rgb(204, 102, 204); font-weight: bold;">Jen</span><span style="color: rgb(255, 255, 255);"><span style="color: rgb(204, 102, 204); font-weight: bold;"> </span><span style="color: rgb(204, 204, 204);">and I were Roanoke bound. The ID3 is an omnium consisting of a 1.87 mile time trial and two downtown crits. We both competed in this last year and really enjoyed it, so it has become a staple on our race calendar. With so many from local teams competing in this race, it was a great way to get away for the weekend and still feel like you’re with family during the holiday. The only bummer was that the 4th landed on a Monday this year instead of a Sunday so we missed the fireworks…not that it would have mattered due to the torrential downpour! </span></span></span></div><div style="color: rgb(204, 204, 204);"><span style="color: rgb(204, 204, 204);font-size:100%;" ><br /><u><span style="color: rgb(204, 204, 204);">Saturday’s Mill Mou</span><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" style="color: rgb(204, 204, 204);" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjflKEBYAVWuqWl-0jF7Fr8_zVRYTHExEQBUVOKmk6_bhyphenhyphenbhip2De-4Zb6JM8DaSmnihGZDT4x4F13Y8oEEKec27X6ZpnQExxuKoxM30b-cT153Q3ivQRxNfP14ieQStO9_w0qkrhyL5Qw/s1600/Awesome.jpg"><span style="color: rgb(51, 51, 51);"><img style="margin: 0px 10px 10px 0px; width: 181px; height: 320px; float: left; cursor: pointer;" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5626493952721974946" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjflKEBYAVWuqWl-0jF7Fr8_zVRYTHExEQBUVOKmk6_bhyphenhyphenbhip2De-4Zb6JM8DaSmnihGZDT4x4F13Y8oEEKec27X6ZpnQExxuKoxM30b-cT153Q3ivQRxNfP14ieQStO9_w0qkrhyL5Qw/s320/Awesome.jpg" border="0" /></span></a><span style="color: rgb(51, 51, 51);"><span style="color: rgb(204, 204, 204);">ntain TT</span><br /></span></u></span><span style="color: rgb(255, 255, 255);font-size:100%;" ><span style="color: rgb(204, 204, 204);">The first of the three races was the 1.87 mile time trial. You may be thinking, “Hey it’s barely even two miles…how difficult could it be?” I invite you to try it out next year and see! Though this climb isn’t incredibly steep, due to the short distance you’ve got to push it to the max and there are little to no opportunities for recovery. The main thought going through my mind during this race was “It’s supposed to hurt, it’s supposed to hurt”, and hurt it did. When I asked Jen how she thought she had done, she basically said she was enjoying the ride and forgot for a moment that she was actually racing, until she realized close to the end that she was supposed to be holding off her hubby and our Manderkitten, </span><span style="color: rgb(0, 153, 0); font-weight: bold;">Tim</span><span style="color: rgb(204, 204, 204);">, who had started 2 minutes behind her. A few hours later, we were incredibly excited to see that </span><span style="color: rgb(204, 204, 204);">Jen</span><span style="color: rgb(204, 204, 204);"> came in first and was this year’s <span style="font-weight: bold; color: rgb(255, 255, 102);">“Queen of the Mountain”</span>, with a time of 11:58. I came in with a time of 12:11 to secure the second place finish.</span></span></div><div style="color: rgb(204, 204, 204);"><span style="font-size:100%;"><br /></span><span style="color: rgb(255, 255, 255);font-size:100%;" ><u><span style="color: rgb(204, 204, 204);">Sunday’s Downtown Criterium</span></u><br /><span style="color: rgb(204, 204, 204);">The second race of the weekend took place in downtown Roanoke and was a fast, 5-corner, 1KM course with a particularly interesting section consisting of a 180 degree turn onto brick. This is my favorite of the two ID3 crit courses simply because it’s short and fast.</span><br /><span style="color: rgb(204, 204, 204);">The initial few laps were held at a steady pace until we heard the first prime called out and we found ourselves sprinting to the line. Throughout the 45 minute race </span><span style="color: rgb(204, 204, 204);">Jen</span><span style="color: rgb(204, 204, 204);"> and I took turns issuing attacks off the front, in an attempt to make a breakaway from the pack. With less than ten to go, Jen made an attack which I countered when she was brought back by the group. Though I was not able to make a solo breakaway, </span><span style="color: rgb(204, 102, 204); font-weight: bold;">Emily</span><span style="color: rgb(204, 204, 204);"><span style="color: rgb(204, 102, 204); font-weight: bold;"> </span>(Tradewinds) and I were able to sustain a widening gap for the rest of the race. I came in second at the line and Jen won the field sprint, taking third for the day. </span></span></div><div style="color: rgb(204, 204, 204);"><span style="color: rgb(204, 204, 204);font-size:100%;" ><br /><u><span style="color: rgb(204, 204, 204);">Monday’s Downtown Criterium</span></u><br /></span><span style="color: rgb(255, 255, 255);font-size:100%;" ><span style="color: rgb(204, 204, 204);">The second crit and last race of the weekend also took place in downtown Roanoke and was a technical “L” shaped course with a slight uphill finish. Early on in the race, Emily and a </span><span style="color: rgb(204, 204, 204);">Virginia Tech rider</span><span style="color: rgb(204, 204, 204);"> had a gap from the rest of the pack which Jen and I spent </span></span><span style="color: rgb(204, 204, 204);font-size:100%;" ><u><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgwGSjyy-UKGKYIH26Hnmu3p0mlnkVASSOsPw2-YW-UuYnpwJbyP89G4kRP-nneMoaneQHJAPVFSv7Eu0XCa6pYsd4XAotT4JDmqAiuFa_BpaiM8ijHm75oYQXcfSrkXZAjNs_8nCgxRNU/s1600/Roanoke+banner.jpg"><span style="color: rgb(51, 51, 51);"><img style="margin: 0px 0px 10px 10px; width: 320px; height: 181px; float: right; cursor: pointer;" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5626494589406775506" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgwGSjyy-UKGKYIH26Hnmu3p0mlnkVASSOsPw2-YW-UuYnpwJbyP89G4kRP-nneMoaneQHJAPVFSv7Eu0XCa6pYsd4XAotT4JDmqAiuFa_BpaiM8ijHm75oYQXcfSrkXZAjNs_8nCgxRNU/s320/Roanoke+banner.jpg" border="0" /></span></a></u></span><span style="color: rgb(255, 255, 255);font-size:100%;" ><span style="color: rgb(204, 204, 204);">about a lap closing down. With the heat picking up and the pace quickening, several primes were called with the group sprinting to the line on each. After being first to the line on one prim</span></span><span style="color: rgb(255, 255, 255);font-size:100%;" ><span style="color: rgb(204, 204, 204);">e, Emily made a breakaway </span></span><span style="color: rgb(255, 255, 255);font-size:100%;" ><span style="color: rgb(204, 204, 204);">from the pack with Jen shortly bridging up behind her. The two worked together and were able to hold us off for the rest of the race. For the last several laps, </span><span style="color: rgb(255, 0, 0); font-weight: bold;">Rebecca Keller</span><span style="color: rgb(204, 204, 204);"> (Dire Wolf) and the <span style="color: rgb(153, 51, 0); font-weight: bold;">VT rider</span> took turns setting the pace as I sat second wheel. On the last lap, Rebecca stepped it up and made an early move for the finish. Shortly after the last turn I came around her and was able to take the field sprint and secure third for the day. I heard later that Jen had an incredible sprint behind</span> <span style="color: rgb(204, 204, 204);">Emily and that the two road around for a lap after the race unsure of who had reached the line first. Emily</span><span style="color: rgb(204, 204, 204);"> ended up taking first for the day as well as the overall win for the omnium.</span><span style="color: rgb(204, 204, 204);"> Jen</span> <span style="color: rgb(204, 204, 204);">took 2nd for the omnium/“Queen of the Mountain” and I finished third.</span></span></div><div style="color: rgb(204, 204, 204);"><span style="font-size:100%;"><br /></span><span style="color: rgb(204, 204, 204);font-size:100%;" >A huge thanks goes out to the promoters of the Roanoke ID3 for a fun and successful race/holiday weekend. </span></div><div style="color: rgb(204, 204, 204);"><span style="color: rgb(204, 204, 204);font-size:100%;" ><br /></span><span style="color: rgb(204, 204, 204);font-size:100%;" >Till next time,</span> </div><div><span style="font-size:100%;"><br /></span><span style="color: rgb(51, 51, 153); font-weight: bold;font-size:100%;" >Britt<br />“Crusher Cat”</span></div></div></div></div>Vanderkitten Virginia Beachhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16675875962688380852noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6808191982934941340.post-44491988119228817982011-07-02T19:09:00.000-07:002011-07-03T11:17:21.300-07:00<div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:Helvetica;font-size:medium;">Bike Virginia 2011</span><div face="Helvetica" size="medium" style=" "><br /></div><div style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: medium; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#FF6666;">Suszann</span> and <span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#6666CC;">Karen</span> headed out west for some hill training last week during Bike Virginia. The girls were joined by their favorite <span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#CC0000;">Tripower</span>, <span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#003300;">Fat Frog's</span>, and triathlete friends for 5 days of amazing riding. There was over 1,600 cyclist participating in Bike VA this year.</div></div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1bQSW5XExIbAL9Dpq5el9M3Y8dxiKoAhEUFFMqFOgFosFk6dL5IXhW3KwjU176scbLpJN2iRz4ueRMMeSkKYX_0gGm5UNzc2i7Jsj0cVKYs5JbT5gQeoNxtXQHstmLAJZl8AEy8jolgQ/s1600/IMGP0499.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1bQSW5XExIbAL9Dpq5el9M3Y8dxiKoAhEUFFMqFOgFosFk6dL5IXhW3KwjU176scbLpJN2iRz4ueRMMeSkKYX_0gGm5UNzc2i7Jsj0cVKYs5JbT5gQeoNxtXQHstmLAJZl8AEy8jolgQ/s320/IMGP0499.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5624942743310996914" /></a><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1bQSW5XExIbAL9Dpq5el9M3Y8dxiKoAhEUFFMqFOgFosFk6dL5IXhW3KwjU176scbLpJN2iRz4ueRMMeSkKYX_0gGm5UNzc2i7Jsj0cVKYs5JbT5gQeoNxtXQHstmLAJZl8AEy8jolgQ/s1600/IMGP0499.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" ;font-family:Helvetica;font-size:medium;">This was <span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#FF6666;">Suszann's</span> first Bike VA and she proved that a flat lander could excel in the mountains. Every day she rode she got stronger and faster on the climbs and was fearless on the downhills. <span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#3366FF;">Karen</span>, who did Bike VA last year on her TT bike, was much more comfortable on her new road bike and she learned a valuable lesson in proper hydration. The girls survived their first hilly century ride with close to 9,000 feet of climbing. <span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#FF6666;">Suszann</span> decided that 100 miles wasn't far enough and added a little detour to spice things up a little. After the five hilly days, the girls rode over 300 miles and climbed over 20,000 feet. </span><div><div><div><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1bQSW5XExIbAL9Dpq5el9M3Y8dxiKoAhEUFFMqFOgFosFk6dL5IXhW3KwjU176scbLpJN2iRz4ueRMMeSkKYX_0gGm5UNzc2i7Jsj0cVKYs5JbT5gQeoNxtXQHstmLAJZl8AEy8jolgQ/s1600/IMGP0499.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"></a><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivaGF54f-7M_6-dLOw6MSziktnQCHnIejyE4BL1A4WL8hiGN52_A9nR8-rjESim8Ygen2Ky3HPKjWV-zpNjXfcVINkqk9g7Cwryi2wEXxj3RttdEMg-B3p8_WCSh6PFpSPCqe8w9SG5AA/s320/IMGP0517.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5624943193676404802" /><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" ;font-family:Helvetica;font-size:medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#FF6666;">Suszann</span> and <span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#3366FF;">Karen</span> are back home in Virginia Beach and hoping to cash in on some of the fitness they gained in the next few weeks.</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:Helvetica;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><br /></span></span><div style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: medium; "><br /></div></div></div></div></div></div>Vanderkitten Virginia Beachhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16675875962688380852noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6808191982934941340.post-21408715788773799182011-06-21T04:20:00.000-07:002011-06-21T09:09:10.546-07:00PLT MADNESS!Vanderkitten was well represented in each of the women’s categories on Sunday, for the first Peter Teeuwen time trial of the season, in Chesapeake, VA. Nearly 30 women pre-registered for the Senior State Championship TT, making for a relatively large and competitive field. Crosswinds were challenging, but the heat held off until the women's field had raced. The kittens pushed it to the max along the 23-mile lollipop course, with the finish line and hopes of illegally sweet victory nearing with each pedal stroke. When all was said and done, Cap’n Cook, BJ, and Brittany took first place in each of their respective categories (with BJ setting her PLT pr), as well as the top 3 spots for the women’s overall. Also representing VK, were Chri<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiuvsxr0cBTZiogHay6e9LLTupxAGY6lOib6YX8bRcBZAxHBiWJl47QSBoA0Z2aycliBFra1a_HVjUgC5dXIvkZmF7JLhhwt3tBMm1P2dOsAbe4R4oRuikA4wGoAWuGxu4RxwPqFeuG3gQ/s1600/967-S.jpg"><img style="MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; WIDTH: 320px; FLOAT: right; HEIGHT: 213px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5620633683849280242" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiuvsxr0cBTZiogHay6e9LLTupxAGY6lOib6YX8bRcBZAxHBiWJl47QSBoA0Z2aycliBFra1a_HVjUgC5dXIvkZmF7JLhhwt3tBMm1P2dOsAbe4R4oRuikA4wGoAWuGxu4RxwPqFeuG3gQ/s320/967-S.jpg" /></a>sty in the 40+, and Lisa in CAT 4, after having just ran the “CHKD RunWalk for the Kids” the day before and taking 4th place in her age group. Christy escaped before pictures were taken, probably a smart move...<br />(picture courtesy of Manderkitten Danbo)<br />And a big thanks to Donna for working as an official, and CONGRATS on her new grandmahood!<br /><br /><br /><strong>9 Lives and True Grit... </strong><br />Three weeks ago, Jen was on the ground after a gnarly crash at Bike Jam/Kelly Cup with a broken jaw, fractured temple, and bleeding from the face. It seems that in order to cash in all 9 lives, ‘kittens are required to land on their faces. (Now is a great time to thank Frank of Celerity Cycling who spent 8 hours at Johns-Hopkins ER taking care of Jen and getting her home safely, as well as all the friends who stopped by, called, and/or texted to offer help, support, and dirty jokes to keep her light-hearted about having 2 black eyes, a strict diet of ice cream, and being off her bike for 5 days.)<br /><br />Still a little broken but determined to get her racing mojo back, Jen entered the Tour of Washington County sponsored by SRAM and Antietam Velo Club this past weekend. Through much encouragement from team mates, friends, family, and jack russells, she finished 10th in the general classification (8th in prologue, 5th in road race, 10th in time trial, and 9th in criterium). Tour of Washington County was a great event and is now a staple on the Vanderkitten-Virginia Beach race calendar. A big thanks to Joe Jefferson, AVC, SRAM, and all the badass women who raced hard, fast, and fun all weekend!!Vanderkitten Virginia Beachhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16675875962688380852noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6808191982934941340.post-43064634096138117362011-06-05T19:37:00.001-07:002011-06-05T19:55:13.031-07:00First Race//First WIN!<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqmkc405ALI74jyomNMhqZcDB2LBKxpMaPRsxY9WEdMwhYP450QGHiGXiPytAsNbMJrl9pivmARrw1Oqcej7FLgpci6VcnvcyzxkaWAs9hPaWK5vGdi4JjtqVx5fEABYguyvhlEdcPUqA/s1600/105.JPG"><span style="color:#00cccc;"><img style="MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; WIDTH: 320px; FLOAT: right; HEIGHT: 214px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5614934056022294818" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqmkc405ALI74jyomNMhqZcDB2LBKxpMaPRsxY9WEdMwhYP450QGHiGXiPytAsNbMJrl9pivmARrw1Oqcej7FLgpci6VcnvcyzxkaWAs9hPaWK5vGdi4JjtqVx5fEABYguyvhlEdcPUqA/s320/105.JPG" /></span></a><span style="color:#00cccc;">Karen</span> and <span style="color:#33ccff;">Roberta </span>are hooked. After worrying themselves silly about how they would perform in their first crit they both made <span style="color:#ffff66;">Vanderkitten</span> proud. They both spent more than enough time up front battling the wind but said it was safer there than in the pack. <span style="color:#ff9900;">Karen</span> decided to go for the <span style="color:#ffcc66;">GOLD </span>on the last turn and never looked back. <span style="color:#339999;">Roberta</span> followed close behind. Watching them race made the rest of us remember what it was like as a newbie. <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6S1k4JHJbU4NUZX9jJAKjPo0RN00W5uvBY8aZRqqa0a6Kun_Bkt9WmPTKs-99tP7OBuCTXDwLNjidYSRvUAYg3HLlsS25LKPjNUwvSJFm8UNwsk1FNtRP2F673f1fOH5qNa0kOnXvbO8/s1600/024.JPG"><img style="MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 272px; FLOAT: left; HEIGHT: 320px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5614932411644886802" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6S1k4JHJbU4NUZX9jJAKjPo0RN00W5uvBY8aZRqqa0a6Kun_Bkt9WmPTKs-99tP7OBuCTXDwLNjidYSRvUAYg3HLlsS25LKPjNUwvSJFm8UNwsk1FNtRP2F673f1fOH5qNa0kOnXvbO8/s320/024.JPG" /></a>We’re all glad that they’ve got the racing bug.<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjw8nLP150JufB-U2oeNxAjCwWk6ev55gqopl0KmdCJfHNi6M0goSz2mOewngvyu_crqKIqUNr2nM5JdWvpL1xYh6KzpwCbZ9CxYcjmsJGN_d3NErlSHEEujUmuiGGSq62SmcdfIkH2WV0/s1600/174.JPG"><img style="MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; WIDTH: 316px; FLOAT: right; HEIGHT: 320px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5614931534158749970" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjw8nLP150JufB-U2oeNxAjCwWk6ev55gqopl0KmdCJfHNi6M0goSz2mOewngvyu_crqKIqUNr2nM5JdWvpL1xYh6KzpwCbZ9CxYcjmsJGN_d3NErlSHEEujUmuiGGSq62SmcdfIkH2WV0/s320/174.JPG" /></a><br /><span style="color:#ff0000;">Karen </span>decided that bad weather predictions for <span style="color:#ff99ff;">Bryan Park</span> wasn’t going to keep her away from a race today. Still high from her win she stayed upright on a wet, technical course with two 90 degree turns and rough, bumpy sections.<br /><br />She was super nervous because it was raining, the course was wet and said she had zero bike skills. She stepped in dog <span style="color:#66ffff;">s---</span> right before she was getting on her bike, rode 3 laps in the small chain ring (Duh), legs were dead from yesterday, Garmin wasn't working, stayed up front almost the whole race (she didn't want anyone crashing in front of her) and did all the work, got out-sprinted in the end by almost everyone, came in 7th out of 9th.<br /><br />Her impression of the race – <span style="color:#ff6666;">AWESOME</span>! She’s glad she did it because she now has more confidence because she rode a wet technical course, survived it, and felt pretty comfortable and learned a lot. This year is all about gaining experience and <span style="color:#33ff33;">Karen</span> said she got plenty today.Vanderkitten Virginia Beachhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16675875962688380852noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6808191982934941340.post-7724017046943606402011-05-22T18:12:00.000-07:002011-05-22T18:28:57.796-07:00Wilmington Grand Prix Criterium<img style="MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; WIDTH: 181px; FLOAT: right; HEIGHT: 320px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5609713606293224162" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimq6CaJ9vP9mKxbICCkFgo1OHVkzSZz8wzCO3CclarxiXC_LXZP2jiQowh8EO1-rlbQGxermoYZ8K7NRpBpH6s8YSCvs2p-4w_B-thL2nvd-JY1Ai9ImKhPmHulLQc9ii0FohlrIhJlyM/s320/2011-05-21_14-33-50_241.jpg" />On Saturday <span style="color:#33cc00;">Ali </span>and <span style="color:#3366ff;">Jen</span> went up against 50 of the toughest women in the region at the <span style="color:#ffff66;">Wilmington Grand Prix Criterium</span>. This Pro 1-2 women's race consisted of a one-mile, 8-turn course that the women completed 25 times. <span style="color:#cc33cc;">Laura VanGilder</span>, defending champion, was at the line, along with Colavita's <span style="color:#ff9900;">Kristen Sanders</span> who was celebrating her <span style="color:#cc33cc;">40th birthday</span> and came away with the win over VanGilder. Our old friend <span style="color:#ff0000;">Rachel Warner</span> was there, and <span style="color:#3366ff;">Anna Lang</span> from the Vanderkitten Focus team. The pace was quick from the start, with <span style="color:#cc33cc;">Colavita</span> and others making several break attempts. Both <span style="color:#33cc00;">Ali </span>and <span style="color:#33ccff;">Jen </span>stayed within the main pack as the race broke apart and women dropped off of the back. <span style="color:#ffcc00;">Ali </span>spent some time on front driving the pace, and managed to keep herself in good position toward the front of the pack for the entire race. <span style="color:#ff6600;">Jen</span> worked hard to stay in the pack, so hard in fact that she got to see her breakfast for a second time. <span style="color:#ffff66;">Badass</span>. In the end, <span style="color:#ffcc33;">Ali </span>was in the thick of things for the sprint, pulling out a 15th place that put her in the money! <span style="color:#009900;">Cap'n Cook</span> embarassed her by forcing her to take a money shot picture.<br /><br />Jen came in 29th, just a few spots out of the booty.Vanderkitten Virginia Beachhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16675875962688380852noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6808191982934941340.post-33796266741235916352011-05-09T16:43:00.000-07:002011-05-10T03:27:15.899-07:00Wintergreen Ascent & Jefferson Cup<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiCircGP9fzoFut8ZOGw3RiRpytE57mHxwvQt3kuo0_OdLgt-i_znmuhg2svXZ35bwcguxW0ImofPFB9PBBviy4H8-RJz2mn38WDGT8Rtp0EkdOfUY0ST-0Y4i9-McjYSrnJzfa1CMuNF4/s1600/wg+%2526+jeff+cup+257.JPG"><img style="MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; WIDTH: 320px; FLOAT: right; HEIGHT: 298px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5604874380550121394" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiCircGP9fzoFut8ZOGw3RiRpytE57mHxwvQt3kuo0_OdLgt-i_znmuhg2svXZ35bwcguxW0ImofPFB9PBBviy4H8-RJz2mn38WDGT8Rtp0EkdOfUY0ST-0Y4i9-McjYSrnJzfa1CMuNF4/s320/wg+%2526+jeff+cup+257.JPG" /></a> Five of the <span style="color:#3333ff;">Vanderkittens</span> headed west this past weekend to do the <span style="color:#009900;">Wintergreen Ascent</span> and the <span style="color:#ffff00;">Jefferson Cup</span> race in Charlottesville. It was a <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhw6CAVEJZT0Z_MCsdMBRJ8T5KIJ9Cyfnoi2b4W5fmZ3zvSIuWxYRB7RP_ftPlJrKx_8PzKFB-sMFi_GvjCJrJmQXKhsp6fVpa6y3tPcXho6c9HFt4UoDAf-q9RmuEtdfP4vPyLYo9GbkE/s1600/wg+%2526+jeff+cup+159.JPG"><img style="MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 320px; FLOAT: left; HEIGHT: 214px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5604869035310337474" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhw6CAVEJZT0Z_MCsdMBRJ8T5KIJ9Cyfnoi2b4W5fmZ3zvSIuWxYRB7RP_ftPlJrKx_8PzKFB-sMFi_GvjCJrJmQXKhsp6fVpa6y3tPcXho6c9HFt4UoDAf-q9RmuEtdfP4vPyLYo9GbkE/s320/wg+%2526+jeff+cup+159.JPG" /></a><span style="color:#ff6600;">Vanderkitten sweep</span> for Laura, Jen and Brittany at Wintergreen with Captain Coo<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgU8ZE1woMqMBwSB6Vr5DpWaGdqT2qumhzvYH22spmTaWpzdvoyyMzueYEc0sTNiTXXrDAxXHLM_1CQtbWfq8WtqT4VDJ4y-33aJCQ1WHNWILlgMvKTyG-7C_6HoQdKdLJp84ZwB0N2dW8/s1600/wg+%2526+jeff+cup+168.JPG"></a>k taking the <span style="color:#ffcc33;">G<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9Dgk5qPlxP_vfEgJ9sgALFar_iFzIty1jjGGFc5MuPdzpJK0KsmntOuJFDY66Q7lM-K2X8kakNVAZnbyNnzeMOvZ4YayK8aLqdkPM0WVrxsgphu-RmSmMW3PPBRlony8ixMQDldhwuKU/s1600/wg+%2526+jeff+cup+134.JPG"><img style="MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 320px; FLOAT: left; HEIGHT: 265px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5604890053521419522" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9Dgk5qPlxP_vfEgJ9sgALFar_iFzIty1jjGGFc5MuPdzpJK0KsmntOuJFDY66Q7lM-K2X8kakNVAZnbyNnzeMOvZ4YayK8aLqdkPM0WVrxsgphu-RmSmMW3PPBRlony8ixMQDldhwuKU/s320/wg+%2526+jeff+cup+134.JPG" /></a>OLD</span> and the title of <span style="color:#00cccc;">“Queen of the Mountain”</span> with <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihyphenhyphen_j_W_dCWQ8DXDXn4gnoV_GY7z4EUxaAWlxee1KRNPDhPIMfhC2tsQVMG8bB1QnTUpSdLYqUnG-nOexVnzg5QFOiwDso9IePW144TfEuqLN-EcuXDzaVM581WF3OVEG7RaJoppO4QrM/s1600/wg+%2526+jeff+cup+095.JPG"><img style="MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; WIDTH: 214px; FLOAT: right; HEIGHT: 320px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5604868877938868386" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihyphenhyphen_j_W_dCWQ8DXDXn4gnoV_GY7z4EUxaAWlxee1KRNPDhPIMfhC2tsQVMG8bB1QnTUpSdLYqUnG-nOexVnzg5QFOiwDso9IePW144TfEuqLN-EcuXDzaVM581WF3OVEG7RaJoppO4QrM/s320/wg+%2526+jeff+cup+095.JPG" /></a>a time of 46:01. Jen was right behind with a time of 46:03 and Brittany took 3rd with a time of 48:41. As for me, I placed 2nd in the 40 plus behind Valerie Netsch (Tripower) with a time of 51:35. This ol’ Grandma hasn’t thrown in the towel to old age quite yet. We also need to thank Ali for cheering us on in her comic cheerleader outfit!<br /><br /><br /><br /><div><br /><br /><div><br /><br /><div><br /><br /><div><br /><br /><div><br /><br /><div><br /><br /><div><br /><br /><div><br /><br /><div><br /><br /><div><br /><br /><div>After some great comfort food and drink at <span style="color:#ffcccc;">Devil’s Backbone</span>, some of the girls got back on their bikes and headed up toward <span style="color:#cc6600;">Crabtree Falls</span> for some more miles. I decided to head back to Charlottesville to take a much needed nap. We all decided on a great local Indian restaurant for dinner in Charlottesville where we inh<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjt68Gop_MdkBhTyIBdjgszn-3Z1qwL0PNuNjZ_u6RlEGs3n7kg65LqzNJd6SSRC92GyVrq78NaZzpJug_9sfJnAgZTxUGxwiOz6Q9FdgohJjhm2p4g698ODLgUajuiQq9QZh5-C2Lj1L4/s1600/wg+%2526+jeff+cup+191.JPG"><img style="MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 320px; FLOAT: left; HEIGHT: 214px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5604869977775228098" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjt68Gop_MdkBhTyIBdjgszn-3Z1qwL0PNuNjZ_u6RlEGs3n7kg65LqzNJd6SSRC92GyVrq78NaZzpJug_9sfJnAgZTxUGxwiOz6Q9FdgohJjhm2p4g698ODLgUajuiQq9QZh5-C2Lj1L4/s320/wg+%2526+jeff+cup+191.JPG" /></a>aled our food and wine getting ready for the next race.<br />Waking up on <span style="color:#cc33cc;">Mother’s Day</span> morning to sunny skies was a perfect beginning to a great day. 50 plus women arri<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjiiyJnlmd648ynfzdr8FzUrwZP3F6m9q2P-geU5Zu9lG6iEa8ORl4WO5_S4H5Vg4OZUnzU-_wBFJWZDCGyV9_w8WlTALjwAH0J3W1LVMqJwlFz4QclmqqNMob0QHAxdVqQuGZS-K6ckJU/s1600/wg+%2526+jeff+cup+162.JPG"><img style="MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; WIDTH: 214px; FLOAT: right; HEIGHT: 320px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5604869159746988498" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjiiyJnlmd648ynfzdr8FzUrwZP3F6m9q2P-geU5Zu9lG6iEa8ORl4WO5_S4H5Vg4OZUnzU-_wBFJWZDCGyV9_w8WlTALjwAH0J3W1LVMqJwlFz4QclmqqNMob0QHAxdVqQuGZS-K6ckJU/s320/wg+%2526+jeff+cup+162.JPG" /></a>ved for the 9:00 start of the race with their engines primed for what would be a blistering pace. The hill by the winery broke up the race lap after lap. Brittany, Ali and Jen all hung in there for the full 50. As it came down to the finish, Brittany was in the money for 3rd place in Cat 3. Jen placed 9th and Ali was close behind for the Cat 2’s. Unfortunately, the results have Ali listed as a DNF. As for me, I was spit off the back after the 2nd hill climb and totally enjoyed the company of a chase group consisting of Janet from ABRT and Amanda from Fat Frogs plus others. After having a nasty accident a few years back, it was the first time I’ve ventured out to a road race and it felt great. You’ll be seeing more of me soon! </div><br /><br /><br /><div>Thanks to the race promoters for both <span style="color:#009900;">Wintergreen</span> and the <span style="color:#ffff66;">Jefferson Cup Ro</span><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjbh4esBcbZaxT0tIPt0m6HrnZ8OegfFDP4SWcTSbpZoL0Xy4NwuCUorej2WUgWb9kWuzcmEO00SMVSaZr8VP95q82Nj2VnN01broJlOE_mALQQXZmd4ccIRdDrdIVvVvMYbzXsWhFHeFU/s1600/wg+%2526+jeff+cup+266.JPG"><span style="color:#ffff66;"><img style="MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; WIDTH: 320px; FLOAT: right; HEIGHT: 214px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5604870397993791970" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjbh4esBcbZaxT0tIPt0m6HrnZ8OegfFDP4SWcTSbpZoL0Xy4NwuCUorej2WUgWb9kWuzcmEO00SMVSaZr8VP95q82Nj2VnN01broJlOE_mALQQXZmd4ccIRdDrdIVvVvMYbzXsWhFHeFU/s320/wg+%2526+jeff+cup+266.JPG" /></span></a><span style="color:#ffff66;">ad Race</span>. You did an outstanding job!</div><br /><br /><br /><div><span style="color:#cc33cc;">BJ aka Podium Cat</span></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div>Vanderkitten Virginia Beachhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16675875962688380852noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6808191982934941340.post-58342744478107439712011-05-05T09:30:00.000-07:002011-05-05T09:52:24.239-07:00Jim"DIESEL" Dunham<div><br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNItRl9BQe2DCoVtKcrQQpQ9L_ZBcwd6giqrf31DemNMdNV7Zt6y4YobuHyrpEy0WPLy55aCFBPSJf2ccrxVEEBiR9sQnDbvA26rsjuBfJkdY3oAvupF2vjcQKEkiLcHbS0lavdg4goB8/s1600/jim+dunham+001.JPG"><img style="MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; WIDTH: 320px; FLOAT: right; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5603270724660016402" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNItRl9BQe2DCoVtKcrQQpQ9L_ZBcwd6giqrf31DemNMdNV7Zt6y4YobuHyrpEy0WPLy55aCFBPSJf2ccrxVEEBiR9sQnDbvA26rsjuBfJkdY3oAvupF2vjcQKEkiLcHbS0lavdg4goB8/s320/jim+dunham+001.JPG" /></a>It’s been 2 days since Jim <span style="color:#ff0000;">“Diesel”</span> Dunham was struck by a hit and run driver in Va Beach. Efforts are being made to find the driver who took down one of the most well known and well liked riders in the area. The Virginian Pilot, Channel 13 News and 106.9 have spread the news. Facebook has blown up with the story. His adoring friends are praying for a quick recovery. </div><br /><div>Jim, you are in everyone’s thoughts and prayers.<br /></div><br /><div>I just stopped by to check on <span style="color:#ffff00;">Jim</span> at the hospital and when I went to the reception area, the volunteer said he was a very popular guy with visitors lining up to see him. The nurses on the 3rd floor are keeping busy monitoring the traffic. <span style="color:#33ff33;">Arlene</span>, the dietician, is meeting Jim’s request for good food. This morning he enjoyed 6 hardboiled <span style="color:#ffff66;">eggs</span> (yolks removed). Lunch and dinner will be salad with <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDQUA3hpCublnSHPWLwJG6bZcc5R7jyk8r66e8LoCU99UKGm-CwS54IKiMiC3msWYDUiw4N4TFtfT7pyy1nr21UHIOyWqluOznXvAGygRc_TZ7tYxF3HUCEsAbcutgGQNK_1l9nm9mn2Q/s1600/jim+dunham+005.JPG"><img style="MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 320px; FLOAT: left; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5603270868132196354" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDQUA3hpCublnSHPWLwJG6bZcc5R7jyk8r66e8LoCU99UKGm-CwS54IKiMiC3msWYDUiw4N4TFtfT7pyy1nr21UHIOyWqluOznXvAGygRc_TZ7tYxF3HUCEsAbcutgGQNK_1l9nm9mn2Q/s320/jim+dunham+005.JPG" /></a>a bit of chicken to aid in his recovery. </div><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhT3nZD93IBeerSuI1EHIrusgtCOsjs8nC1eBaYdIdd1KOBih75GpvANXen1-zQUKUQBlquxnyVrCof1C3cPHGwCJpgSHMjsN1Z_xS834sHOhB4dT2t5pKsP1u1i8JOuS2o_BGShl-8uvw/s1600/jim+dunham+008.JPG"><img style="MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; WIDTH: 320px; FLOAT: right; HEIGHT: 309px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5603271061397217266" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhT3nZD93IBeerSuI1EHIrusgtCOsjs8nC1eBaYdIdd1KOBih75GpvANXen1-zQUKUQBlquxnyVrCof1C3cPHGwCJpgSHMjsN1Z_xS834sHOhB4dT2t5pKsP1u1i8JOuS2o_BGShl-8uvw/s320/jim+dunham+008.JPG" /></a><br /><span style="color:#3333ff;">Jim</span> is in good spirits considering what he has gone through. His family is by his side and Barb is making sure he gets his <span style="color:#ffcc66;">sponge baths</span>! Jim is always the leader of the pack and without him, we are lost. Heal quickly. <br /><br /></div></div>Vanderkitten Virginia Beachhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16675875962688380852noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6808191982934941340.post-1473563455885941842011-05-02T16:15:00.000-07:002011-05-02T16:26:33.351-07:00VA Beach VK Race Results: Here and Abroad<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPHtW5fVOKTKptpGaHgv-mCOdrm6LgROF9U4U_baLn7eEzqw1HZv3oV4W3DShtLqtTu8oNHXb7Q0DLa5EwyC-qF_nnIo4C-87EON8NsxMBSAfn31wcKib69aECZbO9_c_WLLHjDYjfx2M/s1600/2011-04-30_16-46-49_424.jpg"><img style="MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; WIDTH: 320px; FLOAT: right; HEIGHT: 182px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5602262793671344274" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPHtW5fVOKTKptpGaHgv-mCOdrm6LgROF9U4U_baLn7eEzqw1HZv3oV4W3DShtLqtTu8oNHXb7Q0DLa5EwyC-qF_nnIo4C-87EON8NsxMBSAfn31wcKib69aECZbO9_c_WLLHjDYjfx2M/s320/2011-04-30_16-46-49_424.jpg" /></a> <strong><span style="font-family:'Calibri','sans-serif';"><span style="color:#999999;">With sunny skies and warm temps, <span style="color:#33cc00;">Brittany</span> mosied down to <span style="color:#cc0000;">North Carolina</span> this past weekend amped and ready for a full weekend of racing, including her first road race of the season.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span><span style="color:#ffff00;">Tour de Moore</span> presented by <span style="color:#66ffff;">Hincapie Sportswear</span> took place Saturday in Southern Pines, with a combined CAT 3/4 field of 20 women. The 32 mile race kept a fairly quick pace due to several break attempts throughout, the majority of which were served up by the team of three from Hin</span><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjAyk_hjE6o5DC7pjPw85zS9B3-3HJLH0L5SuPZOn25sp_3AfYYZ8opcYR4GLW-iu29d1Qy_XSNwBv_QNmsU7SRlhld5ySUWEAYoSShtHEszCAdvhyphenhyphenC7kknfB1NRzUzCch4GvKjJbsEYkI/s1600/2011-04-30_16-48-53_70.jpg"><span style="color:#999999;"><img style="MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 320px; FLOAT: left; HEIGHT: 179px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5602262481112724146" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjAyk_hjE6o5DC7pjPw85zS9B3-3HJLH0L5SuPZOn25sp_3AfYYZ8opcYR4GLW-iu29d1Qy_XSNwBv_QNmsU7SRlhld5ySUWEAYoSShtHEszCAdvhyphenhyphenC7kknfB1NRzUzCch4GvKjJbsEYkI/s320/2011-04-30_16-48-53_70.jpg" /></span></a><span style="color:#999999;">capie/Green Creations.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>None of the breaks were destined to stick, though, with the eager pack immediately chasing each one down.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>With the “rolling” hills and heat taking its toll, the pack slowed down the last couple of miles as they neared the signs indicating the finishing stretch. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes"></span>As soon as the 1k to go sign was passed, the pace shot up as the riders made their moves towards the final turn, and <span style="color:#009900;">Brittany</span> found herself in a not-so ideal position, 5th or 6th back from the lead rider.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>With the sprint to the finish, <span style="color:#ff9966;">Britt</span> was able to shut down the gaps and took the win with a Hincapie rider coming in second. </span></span></strong><br /><br /><br /><div><br /><div><br /><div><br /><p style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt" class="MsoNoSpacing"><strong><span style="font-family:'Calibri','sans-serif';"><span style="color:#999999;">Sunday’s <span style="color:#cc0000;">Brick City Criterium</span>, hosted by <span style="color:#ff6666;">PARcycles.c</span>om, traded in the country hills for a relatively flat and fast, four corner crit in the heart of downtown Sanford.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>The women’s open consisted of 24 riders, seven of whom were on the PARcycles squad.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>The women on the host team displayed some amazing teamwork throughout, with each taking turns going off the fro</span><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhi71lTk0XbHEFiAkSP0B0s2bIWO1BAcFlWjFW8FC0MN18wPuGpycEq8gYioPPccR7HMVweA0uzJxm7wfUqykG-Igtej57AdvkQZTcJqpNpXp336D_yIo5j6Y7nBYT3Xbsa95f1Nt0P5vI/s1600/2011-05-01_12-18-39_699.jpg"><span style="color:#999999;"><img style="MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; WIDTH: 320px; FLOAT: right; HEIGHT: 179px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5602261919790517906" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhi71lTk0XbHEFiAkSP0B0s2bIWO1BAcFlWjFW8FC0MN18wPuGpycEq8gYioPPccR7HMVweA0uzJxm7wfUqykG-Igtej57AdvkQZTcJqpNpXp336D_yIo5j6Y7nBYT3Xbsa95f1Nt0P5vI/s320/2011-05-01_12-18-39_699.jpg" /></span></a><span style="color:#999999;">nt while the pace was controlled behind.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span><span style="color:#cc66cc;">Brittany</span> and a handful of other riders spent the majority of the race trying to close breaks, with the last attempt ultimately being unsuccessful, as a PARcycles CAT 1/2 rider kept her distance and took the win.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>A Hincapie/Green Creations rider took first for the 3s, with Brittany coming in 3rd.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span></span></span></strong></p><br /><span style="color:#999999;"><strong><span style="font-family:'Calibri','sans-serif';">Keeping it closer to home, two of our kittens, <span style="color:#33ccff;">Lisa</span> and <span style="color:#ffcc66;">Roberta</span>, participated in the Run for Independence 5k- hosted by Independence Middle School.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span><span style="color:#00cccc;">Lisa</span> placed first in her age group, with a time of 23:18 and <span style="color:#ffcc33;">Roberta</span> came in second in her age group at 25:50, shaving off a full 2 minutes from a previous 5k she did back in December.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span></span></strong><br /></span><br /><br /><p style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt" class="MsoNoSpacing"><strong><span style="font-family:'Calibri','sans-serif';"></span></strong></p><br /><p style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt" class="MsoNoSpacing"><strong><span style="font-family:'Calibri','sans-serif';"><span style="color:#999999;"><span style="color:#ff6666;">Congratulations</span> to our ladies for doing such an amazing job this weekend!!!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span></span></span></strong></p><br /><p style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt" class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="color:#999999;"><strong><span style="font-family:'Calibri','sans-serif';"></span></strong></span></p><br /><p style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt" class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="color:#999999;"><strong><span style="font-family:'Calibri','sans-serif';">Please stay tuned for more news as Laura, Ali, BJ, Brittany, Jen and Manderkitten Bob make their way to Charlottesville this coming weekend for <span style="color:#33ff33;">Wintergreen</span> and <span style="color:#ff0000;">Jeff Cup</span>.</span></strong><span style="font-family:'Calibri','sans-serif';"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span></span></span></p></div></div></div>Vanderkitten Virginia Beachhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16675875962688380852noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6808191982934941340.post-62397231882400829882011-04-25T13:50:00.000-07:002011-04-26T18:50:58.323-07:00Meadows Circuit Race Report<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#33ff33;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">Jen,</span></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"> </span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#cc66cc;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">Britt</span></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"> </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#c0c0c0;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">and</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"> </span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#3366ff;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">Ali</span></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"> </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#c0c0c0;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">headed up to the</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"> </span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#ff9900;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">Meadows Circuit Race</span></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"> </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#cccccc;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">in Doswell, VA on Saturday. There were 24 women lined up in the combined field on a <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYqAknPmSF7XjpkpW9vbx8tK4SWD9KCIdOLGDdmtqDkgjxw3cXR1IEx7uRQAIklchA3Z1IAjg5kwcAOn5X3xFRgR6VJ9LxgkssdYt8XFJ63S2yXLko8QW6tajPy0L2Mqirt5wfMJGHq08/s1600/217225_999785534689_7805716_48862597_7995332_n.jpg"><img style="MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 320px; FLOAT: left; HEIGHT: 180px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5599704992664853330" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYqAknPmSF7XjpkpW9vbx8tK4SWD9KCIdOLGDdmtqDkgjxw3cXR1IEx7uRQAIklchA3Z1IAjg5kwcAOn5X3xFRgR6VJ9LxgkssdYt8XFJ63S2yXLko8QW6tajPy0L2Mqirt5wfMJGHq08/s320/217225_999785534689_7805716_48862597_7995332_n.jpg" /></a>cold, wet morning ready for 18 laps on a 1.4 mile course; a unique loop that included several sharp tight turns, a nice (read short) uphill push and a fast, fun downhill all on smooth pavement.</span></span></span><br /><div><br /><div><br /><br /><div style="TEXT-ALIGN: justify"><span style="BORDER-COLLAPSE: collapse;font-family:Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;" class="Apple-style-span"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#cccccc;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">The pace was ste</span></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#cccccc;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">ady from the start with Syn-Fit riders taking turns at the fron</span></span></span></span><span style="BORDER-COLLAPSE: collapse;font-family:Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;" class="Apple-style-span"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#cccccc;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">t. A <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiq27iGPftCK-909gosztdhcClKMVcjmLHbEQTTHe3W7kDBM2m6yCXsK1iQ4tqIkPWiiB33lYOxu6Vz_7AdFnT9WfA9Xysbh2Gje3GtAIOOKtcPvbE9kHqz1XRET8Oe053g57upQA4lRvQ/s1600/jen+meadows.jpg"><img style="MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; WIDTH: 239px; FLOAT: right; HEIGHT: 320px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5600056841729272210" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiq27iGPftCK-909gosztdhcClKMVcjmLHbEQTTHe3W7kDBM2m6yCXsK1iQ4tqIkPWiiB33lYOxu6Vz_7AdFnT9WfA9Xysbh2Gje3GtAIOOKtcPvbE9kHqz1XRET8Oe053g57upQA4lRvQ/s320/jen+meadows.jpg" /></a>couple of effor</span></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#cccccc;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">ts were made to create a gap but nothing worked until about 5 or so lap</span></span></span></span><span style="BORDER-COLLAPSE: collapse;font-family:Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;" class="Apple-style-span"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#cccccc;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">s in when </span></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#cccccc;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">two of them ac</span></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#cccccc;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">tually went off of the front along with a North </span></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#cccccc;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">Tek-Aria rider. Ali jumpe</span></span></span></span><span style="BORDER-COLLAPSE: collapse;font-family:Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;" class="Apple-style-span"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#cccccc;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">d to get in on the break making a four person split which eventually became three as o</span></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#cccccc;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">ne rider fell back into the pack. </span></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#cccccc;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">Back in the field, Syn-Fit &</span></span></span></span><span style="BORDER-COLLAPSE: collapse;font-family:arial;" class="Apple-style-span"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#cccccc;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">VK kept the pace high making it difficult for any attacks to be successful.<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWKCjb2eehEwpaP87Z0mQu1KUQ3P4DXwhI2C5KzR0_G3_zirs3ORI7glqGOilbAPeUnqA6WW3NIQdwOmJGNnlEtmRcDGKXQlhVpdwFi8yGAi8P9QM_LbRyH-j5iBNsMayL-erUdj99L2w/s1600/brittany+meadows.jpg"><img style="MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 320px; FLOAT: left; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5600056527099826610" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWKCjb2eehEwpaP87Z0mQu1KUQ3P4DXwhI2C5KzR0_G3_zirs3ORI7glqGOilbAPeUnqA6WW3NIQdwOmJGNnlEtmRcDGKXQlhVpdwFi8yGAi8P9QM_LbRyH-j5iBNsMayL-erUdj99L2w/s320/brittany+meadows.jpg" /></a></span></span></span></div><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><div style="TEXT-ALIGN: justify"><span style="BORDER-COLLAPSE: collapse;font-family:Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;" class="Apple-style-span"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#cccccc;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><br /></span></span></span></span></div><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><div style="TEXT-ALIGN: justify"><span style="BORDER-COLLAPSE: collapse;font-family:Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;" class="Apple-style-span"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#cccccc;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"></span></span></span></span></div><br /><div style="TEXT-ALIGN: justify"><span style="BORDER-COLLAPSE: collapse;font-family:Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;" class="Apple-style-span"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#cccccc;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgoavQeTsmfo9QGUD8iXpshO6U3LCdkMpTlsH7lvbqWeneVtDLxqOOcK3RzO-m418RYo8ql5xEbzuyyVP7ZA4jVZPWibEuKkC8HC-rPDIEf2qFjsd0VEnNLynDM2oQQwAM9OmTQxR3ZTGI/s1600/Ali%2527s+breakaway+posse.jpg"><img style="MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; WIDTH: 320px; FLOAT: right; HEIGHT: 181px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5600056150484547746" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgoavQeTsmfo9QGUD8iXpshO6U3LCdkMpTlsH7lvbqWeneVtDLxqOOcK3RzO-m418RYo8ql5xEbzuyyVP7ZA4jVZPWibEuKkC8HC-rPDIEf2qFjsd0VEnNLynDM2oQQwAM9OmTQxR3ZTGI/s320/Ali%2527s+breakaway+posse.jpg" /></a></span></span></span></span></div><br /><div style="TEXT-ALIGN: justify"><span style="BORDER-COLLAPSE: collapse;font-family:Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;" class="Apple-style-span"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#cccccc;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">The three person break worked well together rotating pulls until coming into the fin</span></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#cccccc;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">al two turns when Ali took her shot at pulling aro</span></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#cccccc;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">und for the win and pulled it out. Jen won the field spri</span></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#cccccc;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">nt after a hard effort to reel in a rider who attacked early in the last lap. Unfortunately, Br</span></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#cccccc;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">ittany had to pull out of the race midway due to a </span></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#cccccc;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">work related phone call (work, such a four letter w</span></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#cccccc;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">ord).</span></span></span></span></div><br /><br /><div style="TEXT-ALIGN: justify"><span style="BORDER-COLLAPSE: collapse;font-family:Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;" class="Apple-style-span"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#cccccc;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">Overall, it was a good day and we were glad t</span></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#cccccc;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">hat everyone who entered stayed upright co</span></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#cccccc;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">nsidering the conditions at the start. It’s always good to race with a mix from MABRA and VCA. Thanks t</span></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#cccccc;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">o Richmond Velo/3 Sports for putting on this second annual event. Hope wo</span></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#cccccc;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">rd spreads for more sign-ups next year as it i</span></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#cccccc;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">s one of the more challenging courses in our </span></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#cccccc;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">series and we need to continue to support it!</span></span></span></span></div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:Tahoma;"><span style="BORDER-COLLAPSE: collapse" class="Apple-style-span"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;font-size:12;"><br /><p style="TEXT-ALIGN: justify;color:black;" class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#cccccc;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">P.S. from Ali: Big </span></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#cccccc;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">ups to our buddy "Jimmy Jam", owner of Jimmy’z Mobile Bike Workz, for stopping my pig from squealing the night before...she's got a nice purr now. He does great work and you can check him out here on Facebook:</span></span></span></p><br /><p style="TEXT-ALIGN: justify;color:black;" class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><a href="http://www.facebook.com/pages/Jimmyz-Mobile-Bike-Workz/281457917012"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">http://www.facebook.com/pages/Jimmyz-Mobile-Bike-Workz/281457917012</span></a></span></p><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: justify; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 200px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 150px; CURSOR: pointer" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5599630171562989762" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjsamNbG2nBSdm84r2zJv13-RFJhZBtPfcbt6ZGdbDcf2N_2796I7Oo6iUg4ndyfV6A06Meoy0vE2a5EOvtK2BPIta2CrXgkSHMe6lR3RCwCzmWgk8YoOtF6HXYnyVZdzyco8e7-GuZyTM/s200/image001.jpg" /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><p style="TEXT-ALIGN: justify;color:black;" class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><br /></span></span></p><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><p style="TEXT-ALIGN: justify;color:black;" class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><br /></span></span></p></span></span></span></div></div>Vanderkitten Virginia Beachhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16675875962688380852noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6808191982934941340.post-6783100240986464272011-04-11T05:16:00.000-07:002011-04-11T05:34:43.696-07:00Felines on Fire/Conquer the Canal & VaDu<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXtSkGATLmXiIf3Bv8gVZ7i00daEjbnFsYg9m65k1n2BOh8EbbuTimzF35rzWuGTsjqQc6zL9XSa7PAWReAhdngA23NKwIAZ6vPnVvduOHl5mmeX155F4UVSVXxqUJFdi5OVnWdngcIbE/s1600/canal+tt+119.JPG"><img style="MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 320px; FLOAT: left; HEIGHT: 214px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5594300030500087714" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXtSkGATLmXiIf3Bv8gVZ7i00daEjbnFsYg9m65k1n2BOh8EbbuTimzF35rzWuGTsjqQc6zL9XSa7PAWReAhdngA23NKwIAZ6vPnVvduOHl5mmeX155F4UVSVXxqUJFdi5OVnWdngcIbE/s320/canal+tt+119.JPG" /></a> <br /><div><br /><div><br /><p style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt" class="MsoNormal"><span style="mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latinfont-family:arial;" >Thanks to <span style="color:#33cc00;">Fat Frogs</span> for hosting the <span style="color:#33cc00;">Conquer the Canal Time Trial</span> Saturday! <span style="color:#3366ff;">Vanderkitten</span> was well represented by 10 women across four categories and placed as follows: </span></p><br /><p style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt" class="MsoNormal"><span style="mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes"></span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes"></span><span style="font-family:arial;"><strong>40+ Women</strong>: </span></span><span style="font-family:arial;"><span style="mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin">BJ Samuel 1st place, </span><span style="mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin">Suszann Magner 9th place, </span><span style="mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin">Christy Hamlin 10th place </span><span style="mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin"><strong>Cat 1,2 Women</strong>: L</span><span style="mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin">aura Cook 1st place, </span><span style="mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin">Ali Ingram 2nd place, </span></span><span style="mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin"><span style="font-family:arial;">Jen Pope 3rd place <span style="mso-spacerun: yes"></span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes"></span><strong>Cat 3 Women</strong>: <span style="mso-spacerun: yes"></span>Brittany Macdonald 5th place <span style="mso-spacerun: yes"></span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes"></span><strong>Cat 4 Women</strong>: <span style="mso-spacerun: yes"></span>Roberta Guimond 5th place, <span style="mso-spacerun: yes"></span>Karen Franke 7th place, <span style="mso-spacerun: yes"></span>Lisa Armistead 14th place.</span></span></p><br /><p style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt" class="MsoNormal"><span style="mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latinfont-family:arial;" >Quick facts from the race: <span style="mso-spacerun: yes"></span>40 women were registered; <span style="mso-spacerun: yes"></span><span style="color:#3366ff;">Vanderkitten</span> had the three fastest times of the day for women; <span style="mso-spacerun: yes"></span>BJ, at age 60, had the 3rd fastest women's time overall (30:24); <span style="mso-spacerun: yes"></span>Roberta bettered her time from last year by over a minute (32:55); <span style="mso-spacerun: yes"></span>Laura, Ali, and Jen swept the women's 1-2 category; <span style="mso-spacerun: yes"></span>Brittany and Karen get the "good sport of the day" award, one for dusting herself off and getting it done, the other for her patience :) </span></p><br /><p style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt" class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:arial;"></span></p><br /><p style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt" class="MsoNormal"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes"></span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes"></span><u><span style="font-family:arial;color:#ffffff;">April 10th 2011 – The Tail of Du ‘kittens</span></u><span style="font-family:'Calibri','sans-serif';"><?xml:namespace prefix = o ns = "urn:schemas-microsoft-com:office:office" /><o:p></o:p></span></p><br /><p style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt" class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:arial;color:#ffffff;"><o:p></o:p></span></p><br /><p style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt" class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:'Calibri','sans-serif';"><span style="font-family:arial;"><span style="color:#ffffff;">After a successful day of conquering the canal on Saturday, three ‘kittens traveled to Surry, Virginia to compete in the Virginia Duathlon – Lisa, Christy, and myself, Jen. Sunny skies, warmer temperatures, and NO WIND contributed to a beautiful race day, which is significant because I only signed up for it after the Jeff Cup was postponed two weeks ago due to snow ....then the VaDu had to postpone due to freezing rain as well. Lucky for me, now I get to compete in both events. <o:p></o:p></span></span></span></p><br /><p style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt" class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:arial;color:#ffffff;"><o:p></o:p></span></p><br /><p style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt" class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:'Calibri','sans-serif';"><span style="font-family:arial;color:#ffffff;">Looking svelte and resplendent in new VKVB gear from JLVelo, Lisa and Christy BOTH hammered into FIRST place in their respective age groups. In fact, Lisa had such a great race that she dropped a full 6 minutes off her time from last year. These fast ‘kittens have now added the coveted</span><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgiXLHjK4UdbeyveHxxvT17dxS6lQm4RljZ2082UzBl_l9EHS5ii8yr4gX-wzGFkb-j1Og8iHva3dE7Ci2TsV6ppAfXyySVZ0d8tibvf1kOTDabBAcKrVLMHgDXddMKBNtaVw5xX5T6WKw/s1600/tail+of+du+kittens.jpg"><span style="font-family:arial;color:#ffffff;"><img style="MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; WIDTH: 320px; FLOAT: right; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5594299401555941298" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgiXLHjK4UdbeyveHxxvT17dxS6lQm4RljZ2082UzBl_l9EHS5ii8yr4gX-wzGFkb-j1Og8iHva3dE7Ci2TsV6ppAfXyySVZ0d8tibvf1kOTDabBAcKrVLMHgDXddMKBNtaVw5xX5T6WKw/s320/tail+of+du+kittens.jpg" /></span></a><span style="font-family:arial;"><span style="color:#ffffff;"> VaDu Duck Decoy trophy to their collections. Excellent job Lisa and Christy!! <o:p></o:p></span></span></span></p><br /><p style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt" class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:arial;color:#ffffff;"><o:p></o:p></span></p><br /><p style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt" class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:'Calibri','sans-serif';"><span style="font-family:arial;"><span style="color:#ffffff;">I decided to team up with Iron(wo)man Rachel Wigton of Fat Frogs Racing for the VaDu relay. This was so much fun that it didn’t even feel legal!! I love my bicycles, and Rachel was born to run fast! Rachel was the first female runner into the transition area and launched me into my fastest 40k time trial ever. While I was enjoying the weather, BBQ, and getting a sunburn, she also turned in the fastest women’s second run time. We finished first overall for the relay teams for women, men, and mixed. <o:p></o:p></span></span></span></p><br /><p style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt" class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:arial;color:#ffffff;"><o:p></o:p></span></p><br /><p style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt" class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:'Calibri','sans-serif';"><span style="font-family:arial;"><span style="color:#ffffff;">Thanks to everyone at Kale Running, the Hupps, and friends for another great Virginia Duathlon!!<o:p></o:p></span></span></span></p><br /><p style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt" class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:'Calibri','sans-serif';"><span style="font-family:arial;"><span style="color:#ffffff;">(photos courtesy of Jacob Anderson, self-proclaimed manderkitten) <o:p></o:p></span></span></span></p></div></div>Vanderkitten Virginia Beachhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16675875962688380852noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6808191982934941340.post-88858603965424632442011-03-21T18:37:00.000-07:002011-03-23T04:15:47.400-07:00Raceway Report<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgpeuWN-tghckNtEvPrwpkESV4eZeyTiORyRo1VrHbrMWpKdE9xgyAMd9SZQMS3_yo0gLrHYiiP0oIEWvvnP0PL5pSi1eEhwZjbSoVdQED7XSrWXS_5CYrAeHgB7_uuKYtDogyMlBsMT3c/s1600/1223787058_yagC3-L-1.jpg"></a><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTaYjh7RlwxOT9anztcsadcMNVJ_gbsgMcuzGpDD1g6V7aEH1Wju2uChe9zv_Roe18v7C3xW7lpBHAHG1kIHizsZK_bLIHQ2-JIlEqSwMHLEDtqSc9OSx2x38qjMaWGBllsa0yTfzGFjc/s1600/1223796770_T8DB5-M-1.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 213px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTaYjh7RlwxOT9anztcsadcMNVJ_gbsgMcuzGpDD1g6V7aEH1Wju2uChe9zv_Roe18v7C3xW7lpBHAHG1kIHizsZK_bLIHQ2-JIlEqSwMHLEDtqSc9OSx2x38qjMaWGBllsa0yTfzGFjc/s320/1223796770_T8DB5-M-1.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5586728558151063730" /></a><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;">Four of us took a road trip up to Richmond for the RIR (Richmond International Raceway) crit on Sunday. With temps in the mid 50's and partly cloudy skies, the conditions were pretty nice for mid-March. It was a combined field of categories with a total of 27 women at the line. Tradewinds started out of the gate with a quick pace that was maintained for much of the race. They made break attempts as did we and some lasted for a few laps but eventually were pulled back in. Two primes were picked up in the process.</span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><br /></span></span></div><div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 238); -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 213px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjRK7I6V89jHmdfFenc6Ekf_7w4O0_Fyur9sOrr6Gc5vaijV-S2xrw5Mfv4cfG0-nmWqM3yJ7y7PgiUoAahMhf4yTNka8QpXYVAyHsf9yx8Prq4X1Qdv69nBxBX2ne4dv4qQZ9VD-iEM5k/s320/1223794248_dp5BK-M-1.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5586732108423448994" /></span></div><div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;">With about 10 or so to go, </span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#33CC00;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;">Ali</span></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"> got a gap with a Tradewinds rider and </span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#FF0000;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;">Cap'n Cook</span></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;">, </span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#33FFFF;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;">Britt</span></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"> & </span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#FF9900;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;">Jen</span></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"> all worked together to help make it stick. Eventually a rider from Potomac Velo decided to go off of the front and bridged up solo. The three of them finished out the remaining 5 or 6 laps with Ali getting 2nd place in the sprint. The field had closed in and came across the line seconds behind with an end result landing all of us in the top 10.</span></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><br /></span></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" color: rgb(0, 0, 238); -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgpeuWN-tghckNtEvPrwpkESV4eZeyTiORyRo1VrHbrMWpKdE9xgyAMd9SZQMS3_yo0gLrHYiiP0oIEWvvnP0PL5pSi1eEhwZjbSoVdQED7XSrWXS_5CYrAeHgB7_uuKYtDogyMlBsMT3c/s320/1223787058_yagC3-L-1.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5586732711262021794" style="float: right; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: 10px; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 213px; " /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" color: rgb(0, 0, 238); -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><br /></span></span></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;">Another great day of of early season racing with teamwork making the difference. Thanks to Richmond Velo Sport and Team Whole Foods for putting on this event and Dan Bo for the pics!</span></span></div></div></div>Vanderkitten Virginia Beachhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16675875962688380852noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6808191982934941340.post-41081491432402220122011-03-14T03:06:00.000-07:002011-03-14T06:10:50.708-07:00First Race Weekend<p style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt" class="MsoPlainText"><span style="font-family:Consolas;">First of all, BJ Samuel freakin rocks.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>60 years old this month.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>One of the fastest 40<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiciwsk0czIpfE7Gln4QCYegk1bZQk-4NZsxXc6EIqF2SxResByJ305WghVnHWc40XYUi6ru3tuVZ-1bV2h8Od13__-6YkuxiJadlxL55e-IuPnC1vxWLLTse6EcnvepXYDKcdSrz2fdVo/s1600/dismal+dash+004.JPG"><img style="MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 213px; FLOAT: left; HEIGHT: 320px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5583876230654044466" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiciwsk0czIpfE7Gln4QCYegk1bZQk-4NZsxXc6EIqF2SxResByJ305WghVnHWc40XYUi6ru3tuVZ-1bV2h8Od13__-6YkuxiJadlxL55e-IuPnC1vxWLLTse6EcnvepXYDKcdSrz2fdVo/s320/dismal+dash+004.JPG" /></a>+ time trialists in the country.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>One of the fastest time trialists PERIOD in the region.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>And on Sunday the overall fastest woman, out of 30 starters, at the Dismal Dash Time Trial.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>BJ covered the 40K+ course in 1:05:12.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>Again, BJ Samuel freakin rocks.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span></span></p><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 213px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5583903997291592402" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1sKZYpLlLAl_HzPDFDB2NLvvWoQZBzwxeKYkON85_FskJ_t-hYC7RNhcBEkFHzQ5RAZjuB8pFwU6uitCmIWQuJXmkfISHFJOHxJOUyL4W6AJC-awhFPjZchJgnTn-eKkFNk6dPC15Jv4/s320/dismal+dash+003.JPG" /><br /><span style="font-family:Consolas;">Not only do we have BJ on our team but a host of other incredibly talented women as well.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>At the time trial today, we had our newest addition, Jen Pope, representing Vanderkitten with a WIN in the women's <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEigOtfICH6ewMiZ1sfaKvE5bxOQeNzTSXZAVbMxGYsWpNbOoXVcd5tN6j8AzDYKPJA3UfrCQk4RyJfTAS5c-fX92iTD-KCKG3ue2Z6oWXOedIAyAVlinSbaw3ejjMru7fgU8mKApGf_xwc/s1600/dismal+dash+023.JPG"><img style="MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; WIDTH: 320px; FLOAT: right; HEIGHT: 214px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5583876486093055922" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEigOtfICH6ewMiZ1sfaKvE5bxOQeNzTSXZAVbMxGYsWpNbOoXVcd5tN6j8AzDYKPJA3UfrCQk4RyJfTAS5c-fX92iTD-KCKG3ue2Z6oWXOedIAyAVlinSbaw3ejjMru7fgU8mKApGf_xwc/s320/dismal+dash+023.JPG" /></a>cat 1/2 race.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>All the more impressive is the fact that she raced in two crits yesterday.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>Vanderkitten was also represented by Roberta, Karen and Lisa, all of whom improved upon their times from last year.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>The results show that the Vanderkittens have done their training over the winter and are ready to race.</span><br /><br /><br /><br /><p style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt" class="MsoPlainText"><?xml:namespace prefix = o ns = "urn:schemas-microsoft-com:office:office" /><o:p><span style="font-family:Consolas;"></span></o:p></p><p><img style="MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; WIDTH: 320px; FLOAT: right; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5583875588719141506" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiaCoYbcM6yN1C3XFiDq3BFK6RagQkf9_8nnSnWoApFYhJKPzjGYwHOl61O3x5NwEW0Mr833lcYkUJ0FBCW0zE5ootGAJyY9EG2gRg46F2wd8JIXhkL3UdwuOmhUuIOWPvXcvDyPipbzJ4/s320/DSCN0872.JPG" /><span style="font-family:Consolas;">On Saturday, four women represented Vanderkitten at the Sleepy Hole Smackdown Crit.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>Laura, Ali and our newest teammates Brittany and Jen, raced in the women's 1/2/3 race.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>We were incredibly fortunate to have Britt and Jen join our team this year.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>And this, our first crit of the season, confirmed for all of that this was a great decision.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>Amazing and selfless teamwork enabled us to finish 2nd, 3rd, 5th and 7th in a relatively small but strong group of women.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>Thanks to the ladies of Tradewinds and Fat Frogs for a great race.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>And thanks to the Wheelmen for successfully putting it on again this year!</span> </p><p>The Vanderkittens want to thank Chatty Cathi for showing up at the time trial yesterday to cheer us on. We appreciate her giving up her morning ride to make sure we got ours on....</p>Vanderkitten Virginia Beachhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16675875962688380852noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6808191982934941340.post-37466156569523304262011-02-20T05:57:00.000-08:002011-02-20T06:24:26.103-08:00Snowbirdin It<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKevTuhC4YaE5_o7f6irlsXAoEHPmSh3RA30EoxbDhIayoPSQiTUGgNWi9wCu0vMApXXkrHoJDAo7d6h3nBIDigprE_BfiFB9XHzkfXfdJ5k30j2f88iVBR_SNngJkb_C9cMmTLx62WRs/s1600/DSCN0796.JPG"><img style="float:right; margin:0 0 10px 10px;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKevTuhC4YaE5_o7f6irlsXAoEHPmSh3RA30EoxbDhIayoPSQiTUGgNWi9wCu0vMApXXkrHoJDAo7d6h3nBIDigprE_BfiFB9XHzkfXfdJ5k30j2f88iVBR_SNngJkb_C9cMmTLx62WRs/s320/DSCN0796.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5575771606057531058" /></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#FFCCCC;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" border-collapse: collapse; font-family:Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;font-size:12px;"><p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; font-size: 9pt; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; margin-top: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-bottom: 10pt; margin-left: 0in; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#FFCCCC;">Once upon a time, a few kittens caught wind of rumors of a magical land, with warm February temps and hills that would put the beloved Pungo Ferry Bridge to shame. However, when they heard of a hot tub, in the shape of </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#FF0000;">Mickey Mouse</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#FFCCCC;">, it was decided that action needed to be taken. </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; font-size: 9pt; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; margin-top: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-bottom: 10pt; margin-left: 0in; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#FFCCCC;">So after 788 miles, 12 hours on the road, countless cans of red bull, ¾ bag of ‘muy delicioso’ homemade granola, and plenty of pretzels & hummus, </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#33CCFF;">Capn Cook</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#FFCCCC;">, </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#33FF33;">Ali</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#FFCCCC;">, and </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#CC66CC;">Brittany</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#FFCCCC;"> arrived in the Promise Land. It’s Florida, Baby!</span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; font-size: 9pt; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; margin-top: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-bottom: 10pt; margin-left: 0in; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#FFCCCC;">There were roughly 25 other cyclists from around different areas of Hampton Roads, all renting homes in the same neighborhood. We did a little riding with the large group, but found it more conducive to our training to split off with a smaller number so that we could set a comfortable pace and get more pulling time in. </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; font-size: 9pt; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; margin-top: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-bottom: 10pt; margin-left: 0in; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#FFCCCC;">Though the temps weren’t quite as Florida-like as one might expect, they most definitely allowed for less layers of spandex and more enjoyable riding then what we’ve all experienced over the unusually cold winter months here at home. The particularly sunny days allowed more pedaling/tan line-establishing time than others, but we still managed to crank out a respectable 65 miles per day on average.</span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; font-size: 9pt; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; margin-top: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-bottom: 10pt; margin-left: 0in; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#FFCCCC;">With the Florida days beginning to run together, a vacation routine quickly set in: ‘bucks run, breakfast, ride, quality-time with Mickey, dinner, games, beauty rest, repeat. We ate in every night, in an effort to keep costs down, with a menu consisting of things like homemade pizzas, chicken fajitas, curried chicken, grilled fish & chicken tacos. For our last night in town, we treated ourselves to sushi and the like. Ali seemed to be ready to break her shrimp eating record with specialty rolls, but thankfully it was too expensive of a proposition (special funds set aside for next year).</span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; font-size: 9pt; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; margin-top: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-bottom: 10pt; margin-left: 0in; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#FFCCCC;">Looking toward the Snowball Crit #2 as our first race of the season. With any luck, the balmy temps we've enjoyed lately will stick around. Stay tuned…</span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="color: black; font-size: 9pt; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; margin-top: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-bottom: 10pt; margin-left: 0in; "><span></span> </p></span>Vanderkitten Virginia Beachhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16675875962688380852noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6808191982934941340.post-47923428747422799892010-12-19T14:37:00.000-08:002010-12-19T14:41:32.223-08:00Baby It's COLD Outside!This wacky weather is just making the cats on <span style="color:#00cccc;">Vanderkitten</span> restless. One day it’s nice, the next it’s not. One day the winds are howling and the next day you couldn’t fly a kite if you had to. We’ve now had some snow, some ice, schools have been cancelled, schools have had delayed openings all playing havoc on a cyclist training schedule.<br /><br />Today we had a 90% chance of rain so <span style="color:#ff99ff;">Captain Cook</span> took the bull by the horns and decided it was time that the <span style="color:#00cccc;">Vanderkittens</span> spent some quality time together doing a little spin class of our own. Although the group wasn’t large, we had fun and spent 2 hours plus doing what we do best! Thanks to our leader for getting a game going to break the boredom! I think we’re all getting to know each other really well and the game was a nice little ice breaker to say the least! Thanks to Laura, Ali, Claudia, Lisa, Jen and Brittany for being a part of the day.<br /><br />Happy Holidays to all. Looks like it’s going to be White Christmas for many this year!<br /><br /><span style="color:#ffff00;">Podium Cat</span>Vanderkitten Virginia Beachhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16675875962688380852noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6808191982934941340.post-43287023850366876562010-11-30T08:40:00.000-08:002010-11-30T08:58:31.103-08:00Lisa - Her First Cross Race!<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0OvFq6ovIO9xGQqXf78jGpbsJx76O0qo_MpNhu8EueY4VDq3O0i75Hmlis-aj01zrAKxs4bbvVyJpkZ3YXTCH7LLi0_X6qglttjCRvlHZVqfDxZVxK90eN_8AocZoTV1blPUiyj09E5M/s1600/Trashmore+Cross+045.JPG"><img style="MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; WIDTH: 213px; FLOAT: right; HEIGHT: 320px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5545385324854406114" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0OvFq6ovIO9xGQqXf78jGpbsJx76O0qo_MpNhu8EueY4VDq3O0i75Hmlis-aj01zrAKxs4bbvVyJpkZ3YXTCH7LLi0_X6qglttjCRvlHZVqfDxZVxK90eN_8AocZoTV1blPUiyj09E5M/s320/Trashmore+Cross+045.JPG" /></a> <div><div><div><div><div>As many of the Vanderkitten followers know, our team is made up of racers, riders, runners, triathletes and as much talent off the bike as on it. We have seen in the last year mountain bikers become road racers, runners becoming triathletes, we have <span style="color:#33ff33;">Cathi</span> who organized the <span style="color:#ff99ff;">Bosom Buddies</span> Ride for VA Beach and others on our team who have made sure all the riders are getting in their rides with safety in numbers. One of our newest members, <span style="color:#66cccc;">Lisa</span>, stood out this last weekend because she did her very first cross race and LOVED it!</div><br /><div><br /><span style="color:#ffff66;">Lisa</span> has quite a running background and has been placing high in the results as one of the top in her age group. She did <span style="color:#99ffff;">Project Athena</span> in November and finished 3rd in her age group at that race. Soon after she ran the <span style="color:#ff9900;">Turkey Trot</span> and was 4th at that race. Her goal next year is to win her age group and bring home a coveted Turkey Trophy!<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiSiPIr44sArToWbcuQG6fCPLFvOLkBSlPn5cOm8o4T9iRdB6HeyBVndwpmYVQetcB6LnuM4ZZsfAmMtCWk50WBbRSrs5l671DG9eT_9aNXtlyBZ3OnyVJvuLTNVYal7QhWo-I8nRH1ml8/s1600/Trashmore+Cross+148.JPG"><img style="MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 320px; FLOAT: left; HEIGHT: 226px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5545384966957557122" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiSiPIr44sArToWbcuQG6fCPLFvOLkBSlPn5cOm8o4T9iRdB6HeyBVndwpmYVQetcB6LnuM4ZZsfAmMtCWk50WBbRSrs5l671DG9eT_9aNXtlyBZ3OnyVJvuLTNVYal7QhWo-I8nRH1ml8/s320/Trashmore+Cross+148.JPG" /></a></div><br /><div>I happened to be at the Mt. Trashmore race to take photos of the racers last Sunday and <span style="color:#993399;">Lisa’s</span> smile stood out from the rest. Not only was she smiling at the beginning, but continued to smile up and down the hills and even at the finish. She rode her first cross race on a hybrid but hopes that Santa will bring her a lighter bike for future races. <span style="color:#99ff99;">Lisa</span> brings to our team an enthusiasm that is contagious. When she’s not running or biking, she’s happy at home with her husband and son. As for her profession, she owns a knitting shop where she keeps her hands very busy! Because of her job and hobby, <span style="color:#ff0000;">Lisa </span>is affectionally known as our <span style="color:#33cc00;">"Knitten Kitten"</span>. <span style="color:#ff0000;">Lisa</span>, we’re proud of you and happy that you’re a part of Vanderkitten. We’re also proud of you for losing 50 pounds! </div><div></div><div><span style="color:#00cccc;">Podium Cat</span></div></div></div></div></div>Vanderkitten Virginia Beachhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16675875962688380852noreply@blogger.com0